- Russian attacks in Poltava and Kharkiv regions killed at least five people.
- Among those killed in the Poltava region were two rescuers responding to the fire.
- The Russians are planning a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations on May 8 and 9.
At least five people lost their lives in Russian attacks in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine, local officials said on Tuesday. According to them, members of the rescue services are also among the victims, reports TASR based on a report by the AFP agency.
In the Poltava region, four people were killed and 31 other people were injured as a result of a Russian drone and missile attack, local authorities confirmed. The Civil Defense Office specified that two rescuers were also among the victims, as Russia attacked in the same area for the second time – at a time when rescue work was already underway there. According to the prosecutor’s office, one person lost his life in the Kharkiv region and two others were injured.
“Last night, the Russians attacked the energy infrastructure in the Poltava region. And they attacked again in a particularly heinous way – with a rocket, when the workers of the state rescue service were already on the scene and extinguished the fire. So far, dozens of people are reported to be injured. Unfortunately, four people were killed, including two rescuers,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said on the X platform in response to the attacks, according to which Russia also attacked the Zaporozhye and Kyiv regions on Tuesday night, while three people were injured.
The DPA agency reminds that the deadly Russian attacks came shortly after the announcement of a planned ceasefire by both Kyiv and Moscow on Monday. The Russians want to stop the fighting on May 8 and 9 during the Victory Day celebrations. In response, the Ukrainian president stated that they will observe their own cease-fire as of Wednesday midnight local time (Tuesday 11:00 p.m. CET).
“It is utter cynicism to ask for a cease-fire in order to hold propaganda celebrations, while they carry out missile and drone attacks every day until it begins. Russia could stop firing at any time, and that would stop the war and our responses. Peace is needed and real steps are needed to achieve it. Ukraine will act in a reciprocal manner.” Zelensky added.
