Key Points
- Moscow was targeted by at least 19 Ukrainian drones over two consecutive nights ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations; all drones were intercepted, and no casualties were reported.
- The attacks forced the temporary closure of all four major Moscow airports, disrupting air traffic and raising security concerns as world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, prepare to attend the parade.
- President Putin announced a three-day “humanitarian” ceasefire from May 8–11, but Ukraine’s President Zelensky dismissed it as a “theatrical” gesture, demanding a longer, unconditional truce.
- Fighting continues on multiple fronts, with Ukraine targeting Russian infrastructure in the Kursk region and receiving significant Western military aid, including air defense systems and artillery shells.
- Diplomatic efforts for peace remain stalled, with the US proposing a 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine supports but Russia rejects.
Moscow: For the second consecutive night, Moscow came under a barrage of Ukrainian drone attacks, with at least 19 drones intercepted by Russian air defenses as they approached the city. The attacks, which occurred overnight on May 5-6, forced the temporary closure of all four major Moscow airports-Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo-causing significant disruption to air travel and raising alarms as Russia prepares for its high-profile Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Although no casualties or major damage were reported, debris from the downed drones landed on key roads and near residential areas. Russian officials described the attacks as an attempt to disrupt the upcoming military parade, which will be attended by global leaders including China’s President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s President Lula da Silva.
Russia and Ukraine Trade Attacks Across Borders
The drone strikes on Moscow are part of a broader escalation. Ukrainian forces have also targeted Russian infrastructure in the western Kursk region, reportedly striking a power substation and launching cross-border assaults with armored vehicles. Fierce battles are ongoing near the border villages of Tyotkino and Glushkovo, with Ukraine claiming to maintain a military presence inside Russian territory despite Russian assertions of control.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its own air campaign against Ukraine, with recent drone and missile attacks injuring civilians in Kyiv and damaging infrastructure in Cherkasy.
Ceasefire Drama: Putin’s Three-Day Truce Rejected by Kyiv
In a move timed with Victory Day commemorations, President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral three-day “humanitarian ceasefire” from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11, pausing all military operations. The Kremlin framed this as a gesture of goodwill, inviting Ukraine to reciprocate and signaling readiness for peace talks without preconditions.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the offer as a “theatrical performance,” arguing that Russia has a history of violating short-term truces and using them for propaganda. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s support for a US-backed 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has so far rejected.
Western Military Aid Bolsters Ukraine
Amid the ongoing conflict, Ukraine continues to receive substantial military support from Western allies. The Czech Republic has delivered 500,000 large-caliber shells in 2025 alone, with a total of 1.8 million shells expected by year’s end[6][10]. France has pledged 1,200 AASM Hammer Glide bombs for 2025, and the US is sending additional Patriot air defense systems, including units previously stationed in Israel[5]. This influx of weaponry aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses as Russian attacks intensify.
Trump’s Mediation Efforts and Oil Price Impact
US President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator, claiming both Moscow and Kyiv are now more eager for peace, partly due to falling oil prices that hurt Russia’s economy. Trump has praised Putin’s three-day ceasefire as a positive step but insists on a permanent end to hostilities, expressing hope for a negotiated settlement.
