Continued Conflict Ahead of Proposed Cease-Fire Between Russia and Ukraine
Ongoing Attacks Amid Cease-Fire Discussions
On Wednesday, Russia and Ukraine persisted in their military engagements, just one day before a temporary cease-fire proposed by Russia was set to commence. This occurs in close proximity to a significant parade scheduled in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
Casualties and Damage in Kyiv
A missile strike in Kyiv resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, with an additional seven wounded, four of whom were children. Concurrently, Ukrainian drone assaults led to the temporary closure of over a dozen airports across Russia, including one near Moscow, where foreign dignitaries began to arrive for the upcoming parade, attended by leaders such as Xi Jinping of China.
Reactions to the Cease-Fire Proposal
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine dismissed the Russian offer of a three-day truce as insufficient for fostering substantial negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. He asserted that the proposed cease-fire appeared engineered to reassure guests at the Moscow parade. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would consider a cease-fire lasting 30 days.
Escalating Hostilities and Defense Measures
The recent missile and drone assault on Kyiv came on the heels of a significant Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow, which damaged a building and caused the temporary closure of several airports. Ukraine’s military administration reported that air defense units successfully intercepted one ballistic missile, though falling debris caused a fire and injuries in an outer district of Kyiv.
Damage and Casualties
Authorities in Kyiv subsequently revealed that air defense measures had neutralized several drones, resulting in properties being struck, including an office building and a high-rise under construction. Firefighters confirmed discovering two fatalities in an apartment that caught fire, with reports of three burn victims among the wounded.
Drone Strikes Elsewhere in Ukraine
In addition to Kyiv, authorities in Zaporizhzhia reported damage from drone strikes that sparked fires across the city. According to President Zelensky, a total of four ballistic missiles and 142 drones had been launched by Russia into Ukrainian territory.
Impact on Russian Airports and Services
The Vnukovo airport in Moscow, which includes a terminal for high-ranking officials and guests, halted its operations amidst these tensions. Additionally, other major airports in the Moscow area, namely Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky, experienced temporary closures, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
Security Precautions in Moscow
In response to the unfolding situation, mobile internet services were restricted in Moscow as a security measure, with taxi and food delivery services also warning customers of possible extended interruptions.
Reporting contributed by Nataliya Vasilyeva from Istanbul.
