Context:

Russia and Ukraine exchanged military strikes just before a proposed temporary cease-fire and the planned Moscow parade to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. Deadly attacks in Kyiv resulted in casualties, including children, while Ukrainian drone strikes forced closures of Russian airports, impacting the arrival of foreign dignitaries for the parade. Moscow's air defenses intercepted several Ukrainian drones, and President Zelensky rejected the proposed brief truce, calling for a more extended cease-fire. Additional attacks in Ukraine included missile and drone strikes, causing fires and significant damage. Meanwhile, in Moscow, airport operations were disrupted, and mobile internet services were restricted as precautionary measures amid the ongoing conflict.

Dive Deeper:

• A day before a Russian-proposed cease-fire, deadly strikes occurred in Kyiv, killing two people and injuring seven, including four children, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

• Ukrainian drone attacks led to the temporary closure of at least a dozen Russian airports, including one near Moscow, affecting the arrival schedule of foreign dignitaries for the upcoming parade.

• President Zelensky of Ukraine dismissed Russia's short-term cease-fire offer, arguing that it was insufficient for meaningful peace negotiations and merely aimed at ensuring the comfort of parade attendees.

• In response to Ukrainian drone activities, Moscow's air defense managed to shoot down nine drones, and additional security measures included restricting mobile internet and transport services in the city.

• The conflict continued with significant damage reported in Kyiv from missile debris, affecting residential and commercial structures, with emergency services responding to ensuing fires.

• Russian airports, including Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky, experienced closures and flight disruptions due to the threat of drone strikes, impacting normal operations.

• Authorities in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, reported fires and destruction from drone attacks, illustrating the widespread nature of the hostilities beyond the capital city, as emphasized by President Zelensky's report of 142 drones and four ballistic missiles targeting the country.