Kyiv

Russia carried out large-scale overnight drone strikes across Ukraine despite Kyiv’s unilateral ceasefire coming into effect at midnight, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday, underscoring the continued absence of any meaningful pause in the conflict.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces launched 108 drones along with three missiles during the night, with attacks continuing into Wednesday morning. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Moscow of deliberately ignoring calls for an immediate halt to hostilities.

In a statement posted on X, Sybiha said Russia had once again rejected what he described as a fair and realistic proposal for peace that had received support from several nations and international organisations.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that Ukraine had violated its own ceasefire, stating that Russian air defence systems intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Crimea and parts of the Black Sea, between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday.

There was no indication from Moscow that it intended to observe Kyiv’s ceasefire initiative, further dimming hopes for a temporary truce as the war enters its fifth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced the ceasefire after Russia declared plans for its own short suspension of fighting later this week to coincide with commemorations marking the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Zelenskyy had warned that any violation by Russian forces would invite a military response.

The latest escalation comes a day after Russian missile and drone attacks reportedly killed at least 22 people and injured more than 80 across Ukraine.

Moscow has previously announced brief unilateral ceasefires during religious or national observances, including Orthodox Easter, though such initiatives have largely failed to produce any lasting reduction in fighting due to deep mistrust between both sides.

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Criticising Russia’s proposal for a separate ceasefire around May 9, Sybiha said the Kremlin’s actions demonstrated a lack of genuine intent for peace. He also urged the international community to intensify pressure on Moscow through tougher sanctions, diplomatic isolation, accountability for war crimes, and expanded support for Ukraine.