Russia says its forces destroyed nearly 350 Ukrainian drones overnight, a dramatic escalation just days before Moscow’s World War II Victory Day commemorations and amid dueling calls from both sides for a temporary ceasefire that has effectively collapsed.
Ukraine had announced a unilateral truce on May 6, but Moscow ignored the request and continued its strikes throughout the day and into the night. Kyiv’s offer came after President Vladimir Putin called for a May 9 ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on Red Square.
According to Russia’s defense ministry, 347 Ukrainian drones were shot down between 1800 GMT and 0400 GMT. Regional officials reported casualties inside Russia: a woman was killed in Belgorod, and 13 people were wounded in the neighboring Bryansk region.
Ukraine, meanwhile, said Russia launched 102 drones at its territory overnight. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Moscow for rejecting the ceasefire and suggested Ukraine may respond with major strikes during Russia’s Saturday celebrations.
Both sides have intensified attacks in recent weeks. Kyiv has targeted Russian energy infrastructure, while Russian barrages have killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians in one of the deadliest periods in weeks. On Wednesday night, Moscow threatened a “huge strike” on central Kyiv if Ukraine attacks during Victory Day events, and said it had urged foreign embassies in Ukraine to evacuate staff.
The fragile ceasefire proposal now appears all but dead, replaced by escalating warnings and a surge in cross‑border strikes a dangerous backdrop to one of Russia’s most symbolic national holidays.
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