Overview
- Russia’s unilateral pause, which began Friday, faced immediate pressure as Moscow’s mayor said air defenses downed about 20 drones headed toward the capital and the Defense Ministry claimed 264 Ukrainian drones were intercepted after midnight.
- Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia made no attempt to halt fire and claimed more than 850 drones hit the front overnight, while Ukraine’s military reported shooting down 56 Russian drones outside frontline areas.
- Russia warned it would launch massive reprisals if the May 9 parade in Moscow is disrupted and urged diplomats and residents to leave Kyiv, a threat the U.K. called irresponsible and unjustified.
- Ukraine’s own ceasefire started Wednesday, after which Kyiv accused Russia of violating it with 108 drones and three missiles, and local officials tallied at least 28 civilians killed in strikes around that period.
- Security around the parade has tightened with no heavy equipment on Red Square, fewer foreign guests, and planned internet cuts in Moscow, as U.S.–Ukraine talks in Miami focus on prisoner releases and ways to restart diplomacy.