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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would respond in kind to Russian strikes amid Russia's unilateral ceasefire, which is set to take effect on May 8 and 9.
According to Zelenskyy, on May 7 alone, Russia launched approximately 100 attack drones and carried out dozens of airstrikes on Ukrainian territory. The Ukrainian leader noted that this demonstrates that Moscow is not seriously considering a ceasefire.
The Ukrainian President recalled that Kyiv proposed establishing a ceasefire from midnight on May 6. However, he said, this ceasefire was violated by the Russian side.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would apply "long-range sanctions" in response to Russian strikes. He also emphasized that if Russia is willing to pursue a diplomatic solution, Kyiv will also pursue diplomacy.
In a separate statement, the Ukrainian leader spoke about the use of Ukrainian long-range weapons against targets in Russia. According to him, the strikes were carried out, in particular, against targets in Perm, located approximately 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Zelensky also mentioned Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg, Novorossiysk, Krymsk, Tuapse, as well as the Samara and Nizhny Novgorod regions, stating that these regions "felt the consequences of Ukraine's long-range tactics."
According to the Ukrainian president, the strikes are aimed at targets associated with the Russian military industry, war infrastructure, and the financing of military operations.
Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine has repeatedly proposed to the Russian leadership to move towards peace, but, as he claims, new attacks followed in response.
Russia previously announced that, following a decision by President Vladimir Putin, it would unilaterally declare a ceasefire in honor of Victory Day celebrations on May 8 and 9.
In response, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was prepared to cease fire earlier—from midnight on May 6—provided Russia did the same. He noted that he considered human life more important than celebrating any anniversary.
On May 6, Zelensky also accused Russia of violating the ceasefire and warned that Ukraine would act in a "mirror" manner.
