Ukraine, Moscow: 'Truce for 8 and 9 May is backed by Trump'

The Russian initiative for a ceasefire on 8 and 9 May, the anniversary of the victory over Nazi-fascism, is supported by US President Donald Trump, but has triggered a 'nervous and hysterical' reaction in Kiev. This was stated in a briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

"This initiative, which was supported by the US president during the 29 April phone call with the Russian president, triggered a nervous and hysterical reaction in Bankova Street," Zakharova noted, referring to the Kiev district where the main institutions are located. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman attributed the announcement of a ceasefire for 5-6 May by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to the 'truly dramatic situation of the Ukrainian armed forces at the front'.

"After the Russian Defence Ministry's statement on its readiness to firmly repress any armed provocation by the Kiev regime, Zelensky hastily announced, or attempted to announce, the beginning of some sort of ceasefire on the night of 5-6 May." "I would also like to emphasise that the Russian Armed Forces will continue to firmly repress any armed provocation by the Kiev regime," the diplomat said, stressing that, as stated by the Ministry of Defence on 4 May, there will be consequences for Kiev if the ceasefire is violated.

Russian anti-aircraft artillery shot down 347 drones launched overnight from Ukraine over Russian regions. This was announced by the Russian Defence Ministry, explaining that at least 13 people, including a child, were injured in Bryansk. The affected areas include the Moscow region, Crimea, Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Kaluga, Kursk, as well as the Azov Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. No casualties are reported, but in fact the ceasefire announced a few days ago has not been implemented.

At least thirteen people were injured in a Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Bryansk. This was stated by the regional governor Alexander Bogomaz, as reported by Tass. According to Bogomaz, 'two residential buildings, more than 20 flats and 40 cars were damaged'.