Zelenskyy Slams Russian Offensive with 'Absolute Cynicism'

Russian drone and missile attacks have killed at least 22 people and injured more than 80 across Ukraine.

On Tuesday afternoon, Russia struck major cities including Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv using drones and missiles, causing civilian casualties. According to initial reports, at least 17 civilians were killed and 45 injured on Tuesday afternoon alone. Further attacks overnight resulted in five more deaths and 39 injuries, bringing the cumulative toll to 22 fatalities and over 80 injured.

The attacks occurred just before Kyiv was planning a ceasefire and shortly after Russia announced a unilateral pause ahead of Victory Day (May 9). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the events on X (formerly Twitter), describing the behavior as 'absolute cynicism,' stating, 'Demanding silence for propaganda purposes and then carrying out missile and drone attacks in the days leading up to it.'