Russian attacks kill 22 as ceasefire proposed by Kyiv approaches
Escalation of Violence and Ceasefire Proposals
Overview of Recent Attacks
KYIV, May 5 (Reuters) - Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least 22 people on Tuesday, including 12 in one of the worst strikes so far this year, as the deadline approached for a proposal from Kyiv for an open-ended ceasefire to begin at midnight.
Russian Ceasefire Announcement
Russia announced a ceasefire for May 8-9, dates when it commemorates the Soviet Union victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two and holds a military parade.
Ukraine's Response and Ceasefire Proposal
Ukraine, in response, announced a proposal for an open-ended ceasefire starting at midnight on Wednesday, urging Russia to reciprocate. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said it was not an option for Russia to halt strikes for one day for its military parade while having heavily pounded Ukraine.
Casualties and Damage in Zaporizhzhia
Death Toll and Injuries
At least 12 people were killed in the city of Zaporizhzhia, emergency services said on the Telegram app. According to the regional governor Ivan Fedorov, at least 16 more were injured.
Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure
Residential buildings, a car repair service and a car wash were damaged in the attack, he said. The attack also sparked fires at a shop and an unidentified enterprise, he added.
Eyewitness Accounts and Imagery
Images from the site that he shared showed a heavily damaged building with billowing flames and smoke. Cars are seen burning as first responders help bloodied people leave the site.
Other Strikes Across Ukraine and Russia
Kramatorsk Aerial Bombings
Three aerial bombs dropped on the eastern frontline city of Kramatorsk killed five other people, Zelenskiy said on Telegram. Five people were injured, he added, warning that the death toll might rise.
Poltava Region Gas Facility Attack
A Russian overnight strike on the gas production facilities in the Poltava region killed five, Ukrainian officials said.
Ukrainian Drone Attack in Russia
In Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack on the Chuvashia region killed two on Tuesday, the Russian state news agency reported.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Peter Graff)
