On the night of 6 May, Russian occupation forces violated the «ceasefire» declared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by launching massive attacks with drone strikes and guided bombs on Ukrainian territory. The cities of Pavlohrad, Kharkiv, Izyum, Vilshany, as well as the regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia were hit.
Russia attacks Ukraine immediately after the announcement of the «ceasefire»
In the first minutes after midnight on 6 May, when the «ceasefire» announced by the President was to begin, Russian occupation forces violated the agreement by launching strikes in Ukraine. By. information Ukrayinska Pravda, The attacks were carried out by both attack drones and guided aerial bombs (GABs).
The Air Force reported enemy UAV activity moving in the directions of Pavlohrad, Kharkiv, Izyum and Vilshany. At the same time, Russian aviation launched UAVs in several regions, including Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Scale of attacks and enemy targets
From the very first minutes after the announcement of the «ceasefire», Russian troops chose the tactic of massive attacks in several directions at once. The choice of targets indicates an attempt to disrupt any attempts to stabilise the situation at the front and intimidate civilians in the frontline regions.
Attacks by drones and CABs on Pavlohrad, Kharkiv, Izyum and Vilshany, as well as on regions in the east and south-east of the country, underscore the strategic focus of the Russian army's actions. The extent of the destruction and the number of civilian casualties remains an open question.
Reaction of the Ukrainian side and further actions
The Ukrainian Air Force promptly informed about the movement of enemy drones and launches of UAVs. Ukrainian military units were put on high alert to repel the attacks.
Despite «silence mode» is declared», The Ukrainian side continues to record violations by Russian troops. The official reaction of the authorities and international partners is expected in the near future. These developments are likely to affect the further course of negotiations and the security situation in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Why it matters
The violation of the declared «ceasefire» by Russian troops effectively makes it impossible to implement humanitarian initiatives and increases the threat to civilians in the frontline regions. The massive attacks just after midnight demonstrate that Russia has no intention of adhering to the agreements, even in the short term.
Such actions undermine the credibility of any peace initiatives and create additional security risks in Ukraine. The prompt response of the Ukrainian defence forces and the attention of the international community to this situation may be a key factor in further developments.
