As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its third year, Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on several Russian cities. This aggressive move followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rejection of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a short, three-day ceasefire.
Drone strikes damage Novorossiysk
On Saturday, local officials in Russia reported that Ukrainian drones struck apartment buildings in the Black Sea city of Novorossiysk. Venyamin Kondratiev, governor of the Krasnodar region, confirmed the attack and described it as a “mass attack” on the Black Sea coast by Ukraine.
According to reports by LBC, the Novorossiysk strike left five people injured, including two children. Videos shared online showed significant destruction to residential buildings. In response, Russian authorities declared a local state of emergency.
Crimea and Belgorod also targeted
Moreover, Russia stated that it intercepted Ukrainian drones over Crimea and other areas. However, not all drones were stopped. One even hit a church near Belgorod, which lies hundreds of miles north of Crimea. These attacks followed a recent Russian strike on Kharkiv in Ukraine that injured nearly 50 people.
Ukraine rejects Russian truce offer
Russia’s call for a temporary truce was meant to coincide with Victory Day on May 9, a day the country celebrates its World War II triumph. Putin proposed the 72-hour ceasefire to begin on May 8, just ahead of the parade. However, Zelenskyy refused the offer, calling it a performance rather than a genuine peace attempt.
“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part,” Zelenskyy said. “Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war. Ukraine will not be playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9.”
Zelenskyy also said he would agree only to a longer truce. “We are ready for a truce, but for 30 days,” he stated. He recalled how Russia broke an Easter truce over 3,000 times last month, despite Putin being the one who suggested it.
Zelenskyy declines responsibility for Russia’s security
Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine would not take responsibility for protecting Russia during the holiday events. “We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security, and therefore, we will not give you any guarantees,” he said.
Kremlin reacts sharply
In response, Russia issued stern warnings. Officials accused Zelenskyy of threatening the safety of World War II veterans and attendees of the May 9 events. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on Telegram, “He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day.” He added, “His statement … is, of course, a direct threat.”
Russia also warned that Kyiv “may not survive” if it attacks during the commemorations.
US pulls out of peace talks
Meanwhile, the United States announced that it would no longer mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Washington urged both sides to come forward with their own concrete plans to end the war.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US State Department, said, “The US is changing the methodology of how we contribute to talks and will stop travelling around the world at the drop of a hat for negotiations.” She added, “Now it is up to the two sides, the time has come when they must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict. It will be up to them.”
Earlier, the US had backed a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Russia had rejected. That decision had previously drawn strong criticism from US President Donald Trump.
