Russian air defenses intercepted 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, escalating tensions after Moscow rebuffed a ceasefire proposal from Kyiv earlier this week. The Defense Ministry indicated that the drones were destroyed over 20 regions, including Moscow.
This incident marks Ukraine's second-largest aerial assault since the beginning of the conflict over four years ago, following a larger attack in March when 389 drones were launched.
On Thursday, additional drone strikes occurred during daylight hours, prompting delays and cancellations for nearly 100 flights at Moscow's main airports.
The drone attacks coincide with Russia's impending Victory Day celebrations, which honor the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. In a unilateral move, Russian authorities announced a ceasefire for Friday and Saturday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia for failing to honor the ceasefire, stating that attacks from Moscow have continued unabated. He emphasized that Ukraine would respond in kind.
Russia has not stopped any type of its military activity. Unfortunately, it has not stopped. Ukraine will act symmetrically.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In Kharkiv, a drone strike injured nine people, including three children, highlighting the impact of these assaults on civilian areas.
As Victory Day approaches, concerns about potential Ukrainian attacks have led to increased security measures in Moscow, including a ban on mobile internet and text messaging services on May 9.
Notably, military equipment will be absent from this year's traditional parade for the first time in nearly two decades due to the 'current operational situation,' according to the Defense Ministry.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned the complexity of the operational environment, underscoring the need for enhanced security.
Foreign dignitaries, including leaders from Malaysia and Belarus, are expected to attend the ceremonies, while Russia has warned of potential retaliatory actions against Ukraine if attacks disrupt the events.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's military reported intercepting 92 of the 102 drones launched by Russia overnight, illustrating the ongoing drone warfare between the two nations.