On the night of May 5 to 6, Ukraine announced a ceasefire. However, Russia did not respond to this initiative and continued to launch attacks using drones and ballistic missiles. Ukraine’s Air Force reported enemy UAVs heading towards Pavlohrad, Kharkiv, Izium, Vilshany and missile strikes on Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The Ministry of Defense stated that Russia violated the ceasefire declared by President Zelensky. As a result, the proposal for a May 9 truce is no longer relevant.
President Zelensky is expected to decide on the country’s next steps, as Western partners strongly advised adhering to a ceasefire. Yet, Russian intransigence has led Ukrainian society to demand an effective response. Many experts note that Ukraine’s offer provides Western partners with arguments for legitimate counteractions.
Plans for strikes against Russia on May 8–9 remain under discussion. Analysts stress that any actions should target key strategic sites, not symbolic objects, due to reinforced air defenses in Moscow.
Diplomatically, sources say the US and EU have encouraged Ukraine to consider peace initiatives, but Russia has not reciprocated. Attempts to involve Donald Trump or other international mediators have not achieved clear outcomes.
Experts warn that the conflict is escalating and more intense statements or mutual strikes may occur in the coming days. Ukraine continues to seek diplomatic legitimacy for potential responses and remains open to proposals capable of delivering a real ceasefire.
