The United Nations has expressed appreciation for the separate unilateral ceasefires declared by Ukraine and Russia. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that Ukraine’s ceasefire will commence on the night of May 5-6, while Russia’s ceasefire is scheduled for May 8-9. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, anticipates the successful enforcement of these ceasefires and emphasizes the urgent need for a complete, immediate, and enduring ceasefire to establish a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire for Victory Day on May 8-9, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s declaration of a ceasefire with Russia starting on Wednesday. Tragically, on the same day, Ukrainian officials reported casualties from Russian aerial attacks in two Ukrainian cities. In Zaporizhzhia, guided aerial bombs struck multiple establishments, resulting in 12 fatalities and 39 injuries. The attacks in Kramatorsk caused the death of at least five individuals and left 13 others wounded, with significant damage to buildings and vehicles.
