The death toll from Russian attacks across eastern Ukraine rose to at least 27 people on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest waves of strikes this year. The attacks came just hours before a proposal from Kyiv for an open-ended ceasefire was set to begin at midnight.
Deadly Strikes Across Ukraine
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on X: "With mere hours until Ukraine's ceasefire proposal comes into force, Russia shows no signs of preparing to end hostilities. On the contrary, Moscow intensifies terror." In Zaporizhzhia, an attack using aerial bombs and drones killed at least 12 people, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov. In Kramatorsk, three aerial bombs killed six people, prosecutors in Donetsk Region reported. Dnipro saw four deaths from a Russian attack, while an overnight strike on gas production facilities in Poltava region killed five, including one in Kharkiv region.
Russia announced a ceasefire for May 8-9 to coincide with commemorations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. In response, Ukraine proposed an open-ended ceasefire starting at midnight on Wednesday, urging Russia to reciprocate.
Drone Attack in Crimea
A Ukrainian drone attack in Russian-occupied Crimea killed five civilians, said Sergey Aksyonov, the region's Moscow-installed head. The strike occurred in Dzhankoi, as reported by the region's authorities.
Venice Biennale: Russia Shunned
The Venice Biennale began previewing its 61st edition, days after its jury resigned over the participation of Israel and Russia. The Russian pavilion is open only during previews and will be closed to the public for the six-month run. The pavilion featured performers and an open bar, but curators were unavailable for interviews. Russia's presence cost the biennale 2 million euros in EU funding over three years. The biennale defended the decision, citing Italy's relations with Russia, a stance at odds with the Italian government.
Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova created "The Origami Deer" to replace a Soviet fighter jet in Pokrovsk, Donbas. Curators of the Ukrainian pavilion evacuated the statue in 2024 as the frontline approached. Co-curator Ksenia Malykh opposed the biennale's decision to allow Russia's pavilion, stating, "You can't stay neutral when people are dying every day because of Russians."
Diplomatic and Military Developments
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at Lavrov's request, discussing US-Russia relations, the Ukraine war, and Iran. Separately, the US State Department approved a potential $373.6 million sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions and related equipment to Ukraine, with Boeing as the principal contractor.
Finland's border guard reported that two drones suspected of violating Finnish airspace likely came from Ukraine. The drones entered from the south and flew northeast into Russian territory, with their final destination unknown. The incidents occurred near Finland's 1,340-km border with Russia.
