Ukrainian President Denounces Russia’s “Cynicism” Amid Ongoing Attacks/Image@ BBC
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has criticized Russia for its “cynicism” in continuing deadly assaults while simultaneously calling for a pause in hostilities.
As Russia prepares for Victory Day celebrations this weekend, it announced a ceasefire for May 8 and 9, warning of a “massive missile strike” on central Kyiv should Ukraine breach the truce.
In response, Ukrainian officials declared an open-ended ceasefire starting midnight on May 6, stating that Ukraine would respond “symmetrically” from that moment onward.
While both sides have announced their respective ceasefires, they appear to be unilateral, lacking mutual agreement on terms, duration, or monitoring.
President Zelensky emphasized the need for genuine diplomacy, urging Russia to lay down its arms.
”It’s sheer cynicism to request silence for propaganda celebrations while launching missile and drone strikes daily beforehand,” he remarked.
Ukraine’s open-ended truce serves as a demonstration of its willingness to pursue an immediate and lasting ceasefire, clearly indicating that any violations would be attributed to Russia.
”Human life holds far greater value than commemorating any anniversary,” he stated on Telegram.
Ahead of its ceasefire, Ukraine conducted aerial strikes against Russian targets, successfully hitting an industrial zone in Kirishi, Leningrad region, and a military components factory in Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic.
President Zelensky reported that domestically-produced Flamingo cruise missiles were employed in the Cheboksary attack, approximately 1,500 km (930 miles) from the frontline. Unverified footage captured a fast-moving object followed by a significant explosion.
The Russian Defense Ministry later confirmed the interception of six Ukrainian Flamingos and 601 drones.
Earlier this morning, all three airports in Moscow were temporarily closed.
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that four drones had been shot down near the capital. The Kremlin has shown signs of anxiety leading up to Victory Day celebrations.
The May 9 events, which commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, have expanded significantly since Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power in the early 2000s.
However, this year’s grand military parade on Red Square will be reduced due to a perceived “terrorist threat” from Ukraine, with no heavy military equipment on display. Residents were also warned of potential disruptions to mobile internet services in the days leading up to May 9.
Ptesident Zelensky pointed out that Russia’s inability to conduct a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s cooperation for a ceasefire indicates the necessity for Russian leaders to take steps toward ending the conflict.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its deep-strike drone operations against Russia, successfully targeting energy facilities and oil refineries, thereby disrupting the Russian oil trade. Its drones can now penetrate deep into Russian territory while often evading air defenses, one even struck a high-rise building in central Moscow yesterday.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue to inflict casualties among civilians across the nation.
Thousands have lost their lives since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong