Russia Repels Major Ukrainian Drone Attack Ahead of Victory Day Celebrations
Russian air defenses intercepted 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, marking one of the largest aerial assaults since the invasion began. The attack occurred after Moscow rejected Kyiv's ceasefire offer and amidst heightened tensions surrounding Russia's upcoming Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Drones targeted over 20 regions, including Moscow, causing significant flight cancellations at the capital's major airports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of disregarding goodwill gestures while continuing strikes on civilian infrastructure, including a recent attack in Kharkiv that injured nine people. In response to security threats, Russian authorities announced a unilateral ceasefire for the holiday period and implemented strict measures in Moscow, such as shutting down mobile internet services and excluding military hardware from the traditional parade. Foreign dignitaries from countries like Malaysia, Laos, and Belarus are expected to attend, though Zelenskyy advised against such visits. Meanwhile, Russian officials warned of potential retaliatory mass strikes on Kyiv if further disruptions occur, prompting evacuation advisories for foreign embassies in Ukraine.
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Russia Repels Major Ukrainian Drone Attack Ahead of Victory Day Celebrations
Russian air defenses intercepted 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, marking one of the largest aerial assaults since the invasion began. The attack occurred after Moscow rejected Kyiv's ceasefire offer and amidst heightened tensions surrounding Russia's upcoming Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Drones targeted over 20 regions, including Moscow, causing significant flight cancellations at the capital's major airports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of disregarding goodwill gestures while continuing strikes on civilian infrastructure, including a recent attack in Kharkiv that injured nine people. In response to security threats, Russian authorities announced a unilateral ceasefire for the holiday period and implemented strict measures in Moscow, such as shutting down mobile internet services and excluding military hardware from the traditional parade. Foreign dignitaries from countries like Malaysia, Laos, and Belarus are expected to attend, though Zelenskyy advised against such visits. Meanwhile, Russian officials warned of potential retaliatory mass strikes on Kyiv if further disruptions occur, prompting evacuation advisories for foreign embassies in Ukraine.
The Mainichi