Russia resumed attacks against Ukraine on Tuesday, hours after a three-day ceasefire between the countries expired. Over 200 attack drones hit multiple Ukrainian cities, reportedly including residential areas, energy depots, infrastructure targets, and a kindergarten in Kyiv.
Multiple people were reportedly injured in the strikes, and at least one person was killed, said Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s minister of foreign affairs.
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“We proposed Moscow to extend the partial ceasefire beyond May 11th,” said Sybiha in a social media post. “Instead, this night Russia launched over 200 drones against Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten, injuring at least six and killing at least one person.”
“Putin’s repeated rejection of peace must have consequences for him,” said Sybiha. “Stronger pressure through Ukraine’s effective long-range sanctions and our partners’ strong decisions.”
“It is time to strengthen our positions and force Moscow to end the war. Putin must realise that it will only get worse for him,” he added. “His only option must be to stop the terror.”
Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a temporary partial truce in fighting so Russia could hold its Victory Day parade and celebrations. The holiday, which recognizes Russia’s triumph over Nazi Germany in the “Great Patriotic War,” is one of the most important cultural traditions in the country. The two sides agreed to mostly stop military actions against each other for three days. That arrangement ended on Monday afternoon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Russia to make legitimate efforts to stop the fighting between the two countries. He also said if Russia was not serious about ending the conflict, then the international community should continue to apply geopolitical pressure on Russia, including the enhancement of sanctions.
“Russia itself chose to end the partial silence that had lasted for several days. Overnight, more than 200 attack drones were launched against Ukraine,” Zelensky said in a post on X. “Aerial bombs were used again on the front – more than 80 of them, and over 30 air strikes were recorded.”
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“We have said that we will respond in kind to all Russian steps. Russia must end this war, and it is Russia that must take the step toward a real, lasting ceasefire,” Zelensky said. “Until that happens, sanctions against Moscow are necessary and must remain in place and be strengthened.”
“It is important that there be no easing of pressure and that partners do not stand aside, but continue working together for security, justice, and a reliable peace.”
