Russian Strikes Kill 22 in Ukraine Hours Before Kyiv-Proposed Ceasefire

The strikes came hours before a proposed ceasefire, with Zelensky condemning Russia’s “utter cynicism” in launching deadly attacks while seeking a brief truce for its May 9 Victory Day parade. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / This handout photograph taken and released on May 5, 2026 by the press service of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces shows people gathered next to a victim of a Russian air attack wrapped in a plastic sheet in Kramatorsk, eastern Donetsk region. (Photo by IRYNA RYBAKOVA / The 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russian attacks killed 22 people in cities across Ukraine on Tuesday, as President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Moscow’s “utter cynicism” for launching deadly strikes while seeking a truce to stage its May 9 patriotic parade. The attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk and Dnipro came hours before a Ukrainian-proposed ceasefire. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . In Zaporizhzhia, a southern city close to the front line, 12 people were killed in what Zelensky described as a guided aerial bomb attack with “absolutely no military justification.” Seven people remained hospitalized, while 37 people were affected overall. “It was a guided aerial bomb attack that directly targeted the city’s civilian infrastructure. The Russians show no restraint in destroying human life,” he said. Russian forces also struck Dnipro in the evening, killing four people, Zelensky confirmed. In Kramatorsk, in the Donetsk region, Russian aerial bombs hit the city center. Initial reports said five people were killed, but authorities later updated the death toll to six. At least 13 others were reported injured as rescue operations continued. “Not a single day passes without such Russian attacks on our cities and villages,” Zelensky wrote. “It is essential that Russia is forced to end this war. We need silence from such strikes and all others every single day, not just for a few hours for ‘celebrations.’ Life must be protected,” he added. Other Topics of Interest EXPLAINER: ‘Shoot the Archer, not the Arrow’ – How Ukraine Hunts Russian Ballistic Missiles The White House cut Ukraine off from air defense tech that protected Ukrainian cities from deadly long-range strikes, so Kyiv switched to hunting and killing Russian ballistic missiles in Russia. The attacks came as Kyiv offered its own unilateral ceasefire beginning early Wednesday, countering Moscow’s proposal for a brief truce during Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations. Ukraine has consistently pushed for longer ceasefires, including proposals for 30-day pauses in fighting, arguing that short-term truces primarily serve tactical or political purposes, such as securing Moscow’s holiday parades, rather than durably halting the war. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.