Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia and Kramatorsk with guided aerial bombs on Tuesday, resulting in at least 17 civilian deaths, despite announced ceasefires.
Russian Airstrikes Target Ukrainian Cities
Russian forces carried out aerial attacks on the city of Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine, killing at least 12 people, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, on Tuesday.
Five civilians were also killed in an attack on Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region on the same day.
Zaporizhzhia Attack: Casualties and Damage
Fedorov reported the first explosions in Zaporizhzhia after 4:00 PM local time (3:00 PM Poland time). He stated that Russian forces attacked the city with guided aerial bombs, hitting several enterprises. At least 16 people were injured.
Ceasefire Violations Amidst Announced Truces
The attacks occurred after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a unilateral ceasefire in the war with Russia, beginning at midnight Tuesday. Zelenskyy noted that no official proposals for a cessation of hostilities had been received from Russia.
Russia also announced a ceasefire on Monday, with Putin declaring a two-day suspension of hostilities for May 8th and 9th.
Context of the Russian Ceasefire
The Kremlin’s decision to suspend hostilities is linked to the commemoration of the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, as it is referred to in Moscow.
Previous Ceasefire Breaches
The last ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war was announced for Orthodox Easter, April 11th and 12th. The 32-hour suspension of hostilities was immediately violated by Russia.
