Overview
- Russia’s Defense Ministry urged Kyiv residents and foreign missions to leave the city Thursday, warning of retaliatory strikes if Ukraine disrupts Victory Day events.
- Moscow declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 8–9 linked to its Red Square parade, while President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would reciprocate only if Russia actually holds its fire.
- Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched 108 attack drones and three missiles overnight earlier in the week, which the Air Force said killed 27 civilians and injured more than 120 across multiple regions.
- After the truce took effect, Moscow’s mayor said air defenses downed 20 drones aimed at the capital, signaling a fragile pause despite public calls to halt attacks.
- Ukraine’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, met U.S. envoys in Florida to try to restart talks and explore prisoner swaps, even as both sides trade warnings tied to the May 9 ceremonies.