Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russia's 'utter cynicism' for launching fresh attacks on Ukraine while simultaneously calling for a short ceasefire to allow Moscow to stage its 9 May Victory Parade. In a post on X, he stated: '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.'
The overnight attacks primarily targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, killing four people and injuring several others, according to Zelenskyy. Earlier, he dismissed the proposed ceasefire from 8 to 9 May as 'not serious', suggesting instead a truce starting from midnight on Tuesday (9pm GMT). He added: '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 no indication that Russia will abide by any ceasefire proposal.
Elsewhere, attention is on the EU leaders' meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, following Donald Trump's recent threats against European partners, and a vote of no confidence in Romania's Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, which could lead to the government's collapse this afternoon. It is Tuesday, 5 May 2026, and this is Europe Live.
