Macron calls for vigilance as western Europe faces second heatwave of year
Macron calls for vigilance as western Europe faces a second heatwave this year.
The Guardian World1 min read
Russia launches attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure amid truce talks – Europe live
TL;DR
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy condemned Russia for launching attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure while seeking a ceasefire for a Victory Parade. He emphasized the need for genuine peace and criticized Russia's actions as cynical.
Key points
- Zelenskyy criticized Russia's attacks as cynical.
- Russia is launching missile and drone strikes on Ukraine.
- A ceasefire is being discussed for the Victory Parade in Moscow.
Mentioned in this story
Volodymyr ZelenskyyUkraineRussia
From
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Russia’s “utter cynicism” of launching more attacks on Ukraine while also calling for a short ceasefire enabling it to stage its 9 May Victory Parade in Moscow.
In a post on X condemning the latest series of attacks, he said:
“It is utter cynicism to ask for a ceasefire in order to hold propaganda celebrations while carrying out such missile and drone strikes every single day leading up to it. Russia could cease fire at any moment, and this would stop the war and our responses. Peace is needed, and real steps are needed to achieve it. Ukraine will act in kind.”
Rescuers extinguishing a fire at the site following an air attack in Poltava region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: STATE EMERGENSY SERVICE OF UKRAINE/AFP/Getty Images
The overnight attacks were primarily aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, but killed four people and injured more, Zelenskyy said.
Earlier, Zelensky said that holding a ceasefire between 8 and 9 May so Moscow could hold the Victory Parade despite fears of a Ukrainian attack was “not serious”, and suggested an earlier truce starting already midnight (9pm GMT) on Tuesday.
“It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia’s defence ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill.”
There is nothing to suggest that Russia will abide by the proposed ceasefire.
Elsewhere, I will keep an eye on the EU leaders’ meeting in Yerevan, Armenia after the latest round of threats against European partners, and on which could see his government collapse this afternoon.
Q&A
What did Zelenskyy say about Russia's attacks during ceasefire talks?
Zelenskyy criticized Russia's attacks as 'utter cynicism' while calling for a ceasefire for the Victory Parade.
How has Russia's military activity affected Ukraine's energy infrastructure?
Russia's missile and drone strikes have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing significant damage amid ongoing conflict.
What are the implications of a ceasefire for Russia's Victory Parade?
A ceasefire would allow Russia to hold its Victory Parade, but Zelenskyy argues it should not come at the cost of ongoing attacks on Ukraine.
