Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Defense Forces would not leave the massive Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, carried out on the night of May 5, unanswered.
The night attack, which involved Russian forces using 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 attack drones, resulted in strikes at 14 locations. According to the latest data, five people were killed in the Poltava region alone, including two rescuers from the State Emergency Service (DSNS), and 37 individuals were injured.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, requesting a ceasefire for propaganda celebrations while launching missile and drone strikes in the days leading up to it constitutes “absolute cynicism.” He stressed that Russia could cease fire any day, which would halt the war and Ukraine’s retaliatory actions, and that real steps are needed for peace. The President added that Ukraine would act reciprocally.
Reaction to Russian ‘Truce Proposals’
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko commented on the Russian strikes, noting that Russia’s truce proposals remain mere statements. She underscored that the reality involves night strikes on critical infrastructure and civilian targets. In her view, the latest Russian attacks once again demonstrate that protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening air defense remain Ukraine’s key priorities.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to the attacks, stating that while the world awaits Moscow’s response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal, set to begin at midnight between May 5 and 6, Russia is demonstrating its true face as a terrorist. Andriy Sybiha believes Ukraine needs a consolidated and principled stance from the entire international community in favor of peace and diplomacy, rather than war and terror.
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the Russian Ministry of Defense’s announcement of a so-called “truce” for May 8-9, along with threats of a massive missile strike on central Kyiv if Ukraine failed to observe it. The President reported that Ukraine had not received any official requests from the Russian Federation regarding the modalities of a cessation of hostilities. Despite this, Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a silence regime would be implemented from midnight on the night of May 6, stating that Ukraine would act reciprocally from that moment.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, as of 9:00 AM on May 5, air defense systems neutralized one missile and 149 drones out of a total of 11 ballistic missiles and 164 attack drones. Debris from downed targets was recorded falling at 10 locations.
Source: Deutsche Welle (DW)
