Russia attacks Ukraine ahead of a short truce taking hold later this week
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- Russia carried out overnight and Tuesday drone and missile strikes that killed at least 22 civilians and injured more than 80 across Ukraine.
- Kramatorsk was one of three cities hit by Russian glide bombs, contributing to a total of 17 civilian deaths and 45 injuries in Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia and Chernihiv.
- Zelensky condemned the attacks as “utter cynicism” and warned that Russia could end the war if it chose to enforce a ceasefire.
- United Nations welcomed Russia's announced unilateral ceasefire for Friday‑Saturday but reiterated the need for a full, unconditional ceasefire.
- Hamad met with Zelensky in Bahrain to discuss a bilateral drone‑defence partnership, as Ukraine offers its air‑defence expertise to Gulf states facing Iranian drone threats.
- Russia's broader missile and drone campaign from April 16‑18 has already killed at least 84 Ukrainian civilians, underscoring the lethal intensity of the conflict.
Why it matters: Ukraine suffers at least 22 civilian deaths and over 80 injuries, while Russia's unilateral ceasefire on May 9 fails to halt its strikes, prompting the UN to push for a lasting ceasefire and increasing the likelihood of additional sanctions.
