Kyiv, Ukraine | May 6, 2026
At least 26 people were killed and more than 80 injured in a wave of Russian attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities just hours before a ceasefire proposed by Ukraine was scheduled to take effect, according to Ukrainian officials.
The large-scale strikes targeted several regions including Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Dnipro, Poltava, and areas around Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, calling them “complete hypocrisy” and a “despicable act of terror” carried out shortly before the announced truce.
Zaporizhzhia Suffers Deadliest Attack
The heaviest casualties were reported in Zaporizhzhia, where at least 12 people were killed during a series of Russian strikes.
According to regional authorities, Russian forces first launched guided aerial bomb attacks before allegedly targeting the same area again using Shahed drones.
Emergency crews continued rescue operations through the night as several buildings and civilian infrastructure sites suffered major damage.
Local officials said dozens of residents were also injured in the attacks.
Multiple Ukrainian Cities Hit
In Kramatorsk, missile strikes targeting the city center reportedly killed between five and six people, while several others were injured.
Authorities in Dnipro confirmed that at least four people died in separate attacks on residential and industrial zones.
Meanwhile, in Poltava, a strike on a gas facility reportedly killed five employees working at the site.
Drone attacks were also reported in the Kyiv region, where officials said a truck caught fire following debris impact from intercepted drones.
Additional damage and casualties were reported in regions including Kharkiv and Chernihiv.
Ceasefire Announcement Overshadowed by Escalation
Kyiv had announced an indefinite unilateral ceasefire beginning at midnight on May 6 in an effort to reduce hostilities and create conditions for broader peace discussions.
However, Russia had separately declared a temporary ceasefire for May 8 and 9 to coincide with its Victory Day commemorations.
Ukraine criticized Moscow’s announcement, arguing that Russia was attempting to secure calm only for ceremonial events while continuing daily attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The latest strikes have further complicated hopes for de-escalation between the two countries.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Intensifying ‘Terror’
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on social media that Russia intensified its attacks just hours before the ceasefire was set to begin.
“Instead of showing signs of peace, Russia escalated terror,” Sybiha said in a statement reacting to the overnight assaults.
Ukrainian officials argued that the attacks demonstrate Moscow’s unwillingness to genuinely pursue peace efforts.
Russia has not immediately issued a detailed public response regarding the latest allegations.
International Concerns Growing Over Continued Conflict
The renewed violence has raised fresh international concerns over the possibility of further escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which continues to impact global energy markets, food supplies, and regional security.
Global leaders and diplomatic organizations are expected to continue urging both sides toward negotiations and humanitarian protections for civilians.
Military analysts warn that continued strikes ahead of ceasefire efforts could weaken already fragile diplomatic trust between the two countries.
