‘Putin only cares about parades’: fury as Russia rains missiles on Ukraine during 24-hour truce

Kyiv has accused Russia of escalating attacks overnight, launching more than 100 drones and three missiles at multiple Ukrainian cities despite a unilateral 24-hour ceasefire announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy had proposed the truce following signals from the Kremlin around a ceasefire during its annual parade in Red Square, warning it would be withdrawn if violated by Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian officials say Moscow instead intensified strikes, with attacks in the Donetsk region, Poltava region and Dnipro region killing at least 28 civilians and injuring dozens.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said the latest strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia demonstrate Russia’s rejection of peace efforts, calling for increased international pressure and support for Ukraine.

The escalation comes as Russia’s battlefield momentum has slowed, while Moscow tightens security ahead of its Victory Day parade, including deploying additional air defences and restricting communications in the capital.

via The Guardian