Ukraine accused Russia of violating a ceasefire initiated by Kyiv overnight, with officials reporting one person killed and three wounded in regions in the north and east of the country.
“Russia violated the ceasefire initiated by Ukraine at midnight between May 5th and 6th,” Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on X, reporting that Russian attacks continued through the night, including morning strikes on the cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
“This shows that Russia rejects peace and its fake calls for a ceasefire on May 9th have nothing to do with diplomacy,” he wrote.
Ukraine's air force said this morning's attack involved at least 89 Russian drones as well as ballistic missiles, with hits confirmed in eight different locations. It warned that the attack continues as there are “several enemy UAVs in the airspace”.
The unilateral ceasefire proposed by Volodymyr Zelensky took effect at midnight. At least 27 people were killed in Russian strikes throughout eastern Ukraine in the hours leading up to the start of the ceasefire at midnight (Tuesday 10pm BST).
Putin has not committed to observing the ceasefire, but has proposed his own truce to cover 8 and 9 May, when Russia will commemorate the end of the Second World War with a military parade in Red Square.
Putin ‘retreats to bunker’ amid heightened fears of assassination
Putin hiding in underground bunkers ‘for weeks’ to avoid assassination, leaked report claims
Russia disrupts mobile internet as Kremlin scales back Victory Day parade
UK sanctions Russian networks suspected of trafficking migrants to fight in Ukraine
Key Points
- Russia ignores Kyiv's ceasefire and attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles
- Putin's forces kill 27 before deadline for ceasefire proposed by Kyiv
- Russia disrupts mobile internet as Kremlin scales back Victory Day parade
- US approves potential sale of joint direct attack munitions to Ukraine
- Five dead in Ukrainian drone attack in Crimea
How will the EU's 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine work?
14:30 , James ReynoldsA 90bn euro loan for Ukraine approved by the European Union in April is set to cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s needs for the next two years as the country defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
European leaders had decided in December to jointly borrow the funds to fuel Ukraine’s defence for this year and next, using frozen Russian funds as a potential backstop to ensure that Moscow ultimately pays.
What is the money for?
Under the proposal, formally approved on 24 April, the EU would provide interest-free loans for the years 2026-2027, covering most of Ukraine’s needs for the next two years.
Economists had said Ukraine would start to run out of money by June if the loan was not disbursed by then, requiring deep cuts to public services.
Ukraine will get 45 billion euros in 2026 and another 45 billion in 2027. Each year, 28 billion euros will be for spending on military needs and 17 billion on general budget needs.
Who will pay for it?
The loan is based on EU borrowing on capital markets backed by the EU budget headroom, which is the difference between the maximum amount the EU can ask EU members to contribute and the amount it needs to cover foreseen expenses.
Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia secured exemptions from the loan.
Ukraine is not expected to pay the money back itself, with the capital only due for repayment once Russia pays war reparations after the conflict ends.
Russia has central bank assets that are frozen in the EU which are worth around 210bn euros that could be used for the repayment.
Recap: Britain in talks to join loan for Ukraine
14:00 , James ReynoldsBritain is in talks to join the EU’s 90 billion euro ($105.13 billion) loan to Ukraine, but will have to cover some interest payments on the borrowing to be eligible, the European Commission said.
The loan, approved by the EU last month, is set to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's needs for the next two years, with the bulk of that amount earmarked for military spending as Kyiv defends itself against Russia's four-year war.
Some of that cash could be spent on British defence equipment if London meets three criteria, the Commission said.
Britain has to have a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, which it entered into on May 19, 2025 and has to provide significant financial and military support to Ukraine - a condition it will likely meet after a Commission assessment.
The discussions, between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a European Political Community summit in Armenia, are a further sign of deepening European defence ties under rising U.S. pressure.
Watch: Zelensky mocks Russia’s equipment-free May 9 parade
13:28 , James ReynoldsRecap: Norway pledges $302m to Ukraine via PURL
13:00 , James ReynoldsNorway will provide 2.8 billion crowns ($301.96 million) to Ukraine through NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, the Norwegian government said on Wednesday.
With the new pledge, the country's support to Ukraine through the mechanism totals 12.5 billion crowns.
"Together with European partners, Norway is financing military support packages from the United States for Ukraine's defence," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said in a statement.
"I hope that more European countries will contribute further to ensuring that Ukraine quickly receives important military equipment."
Slovakia aims to start policing Baltic skies by next year
12:30 , James ReynoldsSlovakia wants to start participating in NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission before the end of 2027, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak said at a defence conference in Warsaw on Wednesday.
"Before the end of next year, so 2027, we would like to participate in air policing in the Baltic region," he said.
In pictures: Frontline soldiers as Ukraine marks Infantry Day
12:00 , James Reynolds
Ukraine says Moscow’s fake calls for ceasefire not related to diplomacy
11:30 , Arpan RaiUkraine has said Russia violated its ceasefire initiated from midnight today and attacked the country with more than hundred drones, attacking Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
“Moscow once again ignored a realistic and fair call to end hostilities, supported by other states and international organisations. This shows that Russia rejects peace and its fake calls for a ceasefire on May 9th have nothing to do with diplomacy,” Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said.
He added: “Putin only cares about military parades, not human lives. Such attitude necessitates strong and increased pressure on the Russian regime, including new rounds of sanctions, isolation, accountability for Russian crimes, and enhanced support for Ukraine in all areas.”
Russia violated the ceasefire initiated by Ukraine at midnight between May 5th and 6th.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) May 6, 2026
Russian attacks with the use of 108 drones and 3 missiles continued throughout the night, including morning strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Moscow once again ignored a realistic and…
Russia ignores Kyiv's ceasefire and attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles
11:00 , Arpan RaiUkraine says Russia has continued to conduct airstrikes in the early hours of today despite Kyiv's own unilateral ceasefire taking effect.
“According to preliminary data, as of 8am, air defences shot down/suppressed 89 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas type and Parody simulator drones in the north and east of the country,” the Ukrainian Air Force said on its Telegram channel in the early hours.
It said hits from two ballistic missiles, one guided aircraft missile and nine attack UAVs were recorded at eight locations.
It warned that the attack continues as there are “several enemy UAVs in the airspace”.
Zelensky says Russian forces violated new ceasefire 1,820 times
10:54 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky writes on social media that Russian forces violated the ceasefire initiated unilaterally by Kyiv 1,820 times this morning.
He writes on social media: “Assaults continue across all key sections of the front, and since the start of this day alone, the Russian army has already carried out nearly 30 assaults.
“More than 20 air strikes using over 70 aerial bombs have been recorded just overnight and this morning.”
He adds: “In total, as of 10 a.m., the Russian army had committed 1,820 violations of the ceasefire regime – shelling, attempted assaults, air strikes, and the use of drones.”
One killed in Ukraine in Russian attacks despite ceasefire
10:30 , Arpan RaiA Russian drone attack on Wednesday morning on a civilian car in the northern Sumy region killed a passenger and wounded the driver, the regional governor said.
Russia launched several attacks in Ukraine on Tuesday, hours before the deadline for Kyiv's ceasefire offer, killing at least 27, Ukrainian officials said.Ukraine's air force had issued several warnings of drones and guided aerial bombs launches after midnight.
It said on Wednesday that Russia had launched two ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and 108 drones at the country since 6pm local time (1500 GMT).
In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, a Russian drone attack damaged seven private buildings, the city's mayor said in the early hours today.
One woman suffered from an acute stress reaction and one more person has sought medical attention, the regional governor said.
In the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, where an attack on Tuesday killed 12 people, Russian forces attacked an industrial infrastructure facility, the regional governor reported early this morning.
The city of Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s home town also came under a morning drone attack, which damaged infrastructure, the local military administration head said, reporting no injuries in the attack.
Ukrainian drone attack kills five in Crimea
10:05 , Arpan RaiA Ukrainian drone attack killed five civilians in the Crimean city of Dzhankoi yesterday, Russian news agencies quoted the Russia-installed head of the local government as saying.
"Unfortunately, as a result of a strike by enemy drones in Dzhankoi, there are victims among the civilian population. Five people were killed," Sergei Aksyonov said.
The attack took place before the start of a unilateral Ukrainian ceasefire, and there was no evidence of any strikes from Ukraine taking place immediately after the midnight deadline.
US approves $370m sale of guided bomb kits for Ukraine
09:44 , Arpan RaiThe US state department has approved the potential sale of guided bomb kits and related equipment to Ukraine worth $373.6m, it said in a statement yesterday.
The proposed package includes extended range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) systems.
The JDAM system converts standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions that can operate in all weather conditions.
It works with an integrated inertial navigation system combined with GPS for high accuracy.
In the extended-range version, the JDAM kit allows the bombs to glide toward targets from a distance.
Ukraine has requested 1,200 KMU-572 JDAM tail kits and 332 KMU-556 JDAM tail kits, along with fuze systems and a range of support equipment, logistics, and technical services, according to a State Department statement. The main contractor for the deal will be Boeing, it said.
"The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it with more capable air defence systems to conduct self-defence and regional security missions," the state department said.
UK sanctions Russian networks suspected of trafficking migrants to fight in Ukraine
09:14 , Arpan RaiBritain has imposed a raft of new sanctions targeting Russian networks accused of trafficking vulnerable people from Africa and the Middle East to serve on the front lines in Ukraine.
The 35 new measures, announced on Tuesday, aim to dismantle operations that reportedly trick people from countries including Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen with false promises of a better life, only to send them directly to the battlefield.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty condemned the practice as "barbaric," accusing Russia of "exploiting vulnerable people" and using them as "cannon fodder".
UK sanctions networks suspected of human trafficking in Ukraine war
One killed in Ukraine in Russian attacks despite ceasefire
08:48 , Arpan RaiA Russian drone attack on Wednesday morning on a civilian car in the northern Sumy region killed a passenger and wounded the driver, the regional governor said.
Russia launched several attacks in Ukraine on Tuesday, hours before the deadline for Kyiv's ceasefire offer, killing at least 27, Ukrainian officials said.
Ukraine's air force had issued several warnings of drones and guided aerial bombs launches after midnight.
It said on Wednesday that Russia had launched two ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and 108 drones at the country since 6pm local time (1500 GMT).
In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, a Russian drone attack damaged seven private buildings, the city's mayor said in the early hours today.
One woman suffered from an acute stress reaction and one more person has sought medical attention, the regional governor said.
In the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, where an attack on Tuesday killed 12 people, Russian forces attacked an industrial infrastructure facility, the regional governor reported early this morning.
The city of Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s home town also came under a morning drone attack, which damaged infrastructure, the local military administration head said, reporting no injuries in the attack.
Russian attacks kill 27 before deadline for ceasefire proposed by Kyiv
08:44 , Arpan RaiRussian attacks throughout eastern Ukraine killed at least 27 people on Tuesday, including 12 in one of the worst strikes so far this year, hours before the midnight deadline for a ceasefire proposed by Kyiv.
Russia has announced its own ceasefire for 8 and 9 May to coincide with commemorations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War, including a military parade in Moscow's Red Square.
Ukraine, in response, announced a proposal for an open-ended ceasefire starting at midnight on Wednesday (2100 GMT), urging Russia to reciprocate.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was not an option for Russia to halt strikes for one day for its military parade after days of bombarding Ukraine.
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, writing in English on X, said: "With mere hours until Ukraine's ceasefire proposal comes into force, Russia shows no signs of preparing to end hostilities. On the contrary, Moscow intensifies terror."
In photos: Russia attacks Ukraine's Kharkiv hours after ceasefire called by Zelensky begins
08:08 , Arpan Rai
Ukraine says Moscow’s fake calls for ceasefire not related to diplomacy
07:50 , Arpan RaiUkraine has said Russia violated its ceasefire initiated from midnight today and attacked the country with more than hundred drones, attacking Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
“Moscow once again ignored a realistic and fair call to end hostilities, supported by other states and international organisations. This shows that Russia rejects peace and its fake calls for a ceasefire on May 9th have nothing to do with diplomacy,” Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said.
He added: “Putin only cares about military parades, not human lives. Such attitude necessitates strong and increased pressure on the Russian regime, including new rounds of sanctions, isolation, accountability for Russian crimes, and enhanced support for Ukraine in all areas.”
Russia violated the ceasefire initiated by Ukraine at midnight between May 5th and 6th.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) May 6, 2026
Russian attacks with the use of 108 drones and 3 missiles continued throughout the night, including morning strikes on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Moscow once again ignored a realistic and…
Putin is concerned about personal safety, according to leaked intelligence report
07:46 , Arpan RaiRussian president Vladimir Putin is increasingly concerned about his personal safety and that of other senior officials, according to a leaked European intelligence report.
The Institute for the Study of War said the report noted how the leader spends most of his time in underground bunkers due to fears of assassination.
“ISW has observed corroborating evidence of enhanced security measures for Putin and high-ranking Russian officials,” the ISW wrote in an update on Monday.
“There have been numerous assassinations and assassination attempts against high-ranking Russian officials throughout the war, some of which have been credited to Ukraine, that could be pushing Putin to worry about his safety and the safety of other senior officials.”
Watch: At least 27 people killed in Russian strikes throughout eastern Ukraine
06:58 , Arpan RaiUkrainian drone attack kills five in Crimea
06:56 , Arpan RaiA Ukrainian drone attack killed five civilians in the Crimean city of Dzhankoi yesterday, Russian news agencies quoted the Russia-installed head of the local government as saying.
"Unfortunately, as a result of a strike by enemy drones in Dzhankoi, there are victims among the civilian population. Five people were killed," Sergei Aksyonov said.
The attack took place before the start of a unilateral Ukrainian ceasefire, and there was no evidence of any strikes from Ukraine taking place immediately after the midnight deadline.
Russia ignores Kyiv's ceasefire and attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles
06:25 , Arpan RaiUkraine says Russia has continued to conduct airstrikes in the early hours of today despite Kyiv's own unilateral ceasefire taking effect.
“According to preliminary data, as of 8am, air defences shot down/suppressed 89 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas type and Parody simulator drones in the north and east of the country,” the Ukrainian Air Force said on its Telegram channel in the early hours.
It said hits from two ballistic missiles, one guided aircraft missile and nine attack UAVs were recorded at eight locations.
It warned that the attack continues as there are “several enemy UAVs in the airspace”.
US approves $370m sale of guided bomb kits for Ukraine
06:03 , Arpan RaiThe US state department has approved the potential sale of guided bomb kits and related equipment to Ukraine worth $373.6m, it said in a statement yesterday.
The proposed package includes extended range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) systems.
The JDAM system converts standard unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions that can operate in all weather conditions.
It works with an integrated inertial navigation system combined with GPS for high accuracy.
In the extended-range version, the JDAM kit allows the bombs to glide toward targets from a distance.
Ukraine has requested 1,200 KMU-572 JDAM tail kits and 332 KMU-556 JDAM tail kits, along with fuze systems and a range of support equipment, logistics, and technical services, according to a State Department statement. The main contractor for the deal will be Boeing, it said.
"The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it with more capable air defence systems to conduct self-defence and regional security missions," the state department said.
Watch: Zelensky mocks Russia’s equipment-free May 9 parade
05:52 , Arpan RaiRubio discusses Ukraine and Iran in call with Russia's Lavrov
04:58 , Arpan RaiUS secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov at Lavrov's request, the State Department said in a statement.
The pair discussed the US-Russia relationship, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Iran, the State Department said.
UK sanctions Russian networks suspected of trafficking migrants to fight in Ukraine
04:52 , Arpan RaiBritain has imposed a raft of new sanctions targeting Russian networks accused of trafficking vulnerable people from Africa and the Middle East to serve on the front lines in Ukraine.
The 35 new measures, announced on Tuesday, aim to dismantle operations that reportedly trick people from countries including Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen with false promises of a better life, only to send them directly to the battlefield.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty condemned the practice as "barbaric," accusing Russia of "exploiting vulnerable people" and using them as "cannon fodder".
UK sanctions networks suspected of human trafficking in Ukraine war
US approves potential sale of joint direct attack munitions to Ukraine
04:37 , Arpan RaiThe US State Department approved the potential sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions - Extended Range and related equipment to Ukraine for $373.6 million, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The principal contractor will be Boeing Company, the State Department added.
Russian attacks kill 27 before deadline for ceasefire proposed by Kyiv
04:04 , Arpan RaiRussian attacks throughout eastern Ukraine killed at least 27 people on Tuesday, including 12 in one of the worst strikes so far this year, hours before the midnight deadline for a ceasefire proposed by Kyiv.
Russia has announced its own ceasefire for 8 and 9 May to coincide with commemorations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War, including a military parade in Moscow's Red Square.
Ukraine, in response, announced a proposal for an open-ended ceasefire starting at midnight on Wednesday (2100 GMT), urging Russia to reciprocate.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was not an option for Russia to halt strikes for one day for its military parade after days of bombarding Ukraine.
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, writing in English on X, said: "With mere hours until Ukraine's ceasefire proposal comes into force, Russia shows no signs of preparing to end hostilities. On the contrary, Moscow intensifies terror."
