"Russia's choice is clearly to reject the ceasefire and efforts to save lives", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media on 6/5.

Zelensky had previously proposed a pause in fighting starting from midnight on 6/5. This was in response to a ceasefire offer made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for 8-9/5, marking Moscow's Victory Day in World War II, hoping Kyiv would do the same. However, Russia did not comment or declare it would comply with Kyiv's ceasefire call.

"During wartime, with people suffering casualties every day, it is not a time for celebrations", Zelensky said, describing Moscow's actions as a "rejection of peace".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on 26/4. Photo: AFP

Kyiv reported today that Russia launched more than 100 drones last night, attacking eastern and southern Ukraine. This occurred one day after Russian bombardments killed nearly 30 people. The Ukrainian president accused Russia of 1,820 violations of Ukraine's unilateral ceasefire as of noon on 6/5.

Kyiv Independent cited an unnamed senior Ukrainian official as stating that Kyiv had no reason to comply with Russia's unilateral ceasefire proposal for 8-9/5.

An unnamed Ukrainian commander on the front line told AFP that the intensity of Russian military activity "remained unchanged", despite Kyiv's ceasefire proposal. He stated that his unit was also working to retaliate.

Russia's Ministry of Defense announced today that its forces shot down 53 Ukrainian drones overnight. However, the agency did not specify whether Ukrainian drones attacked Russia after Ukraine's ceasefire proposal took effect.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters, Kyiv Independent)