Russian attacks kill at least 22 in Ukraine as ceasefire deadline nears

KYIV: Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least 22 people on Tuesday, including 12 in a strike on Zaporizhzhia, as a deadline approached for a ceasefire proposal put forward by Kyiv to begin at midnight.

Russia announced a ceasefire for May 8-9, when it marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two and stages a military parade. In response, Ukraine proposed an open-ended ceasefire starting at midnight on Wednesday and called on Russia to match the move.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said it was not acceptable for Russia to stop attacks for only one day for its military parade while continuing heavy strikes on Ukraine.

In Zaporizhzhia, at least 12 people were killed, according to emergency services on Telegram. Regional governor Ivan Fedorov said at least 16 others were injured in the attack.

Fedorov said residential buildings, a car repair service and a car wash were damaged. He added that the strike also caused fires at a shop and at an unidentified enterprise.

Images shared by Fedorov from the scene showed a badly damaged building engulfed in flames and smoke. Cars could be seen burning while first responders assisted bloodied people away from the site.

Ceasefire proposals exchanged

The latest attacks came as both sides announced separate ceasefire plans tied to the coming days. Moscow said its ceasefire would cover May 8-9, dates linked to its World War Two commemorations. Kyiv answered with a proposal for an open-ended ceasefire beginning at midnight on Wednesday.

Ukraine urged Russia to reciprocate, but the proposal came against the backdrop of continued attacks that Ukrainian officials said caused significant casualties and damage.

Zaporizhzhia among the hardest hit

The deadliest reported strike on Tuesday was in the city of Zaporizhzhia, where emergency services said 12 people were killed. Fedorov said 16 more were wounded.

According to the regional governor, the attack damaged civilian sites including homes, a car repair service and a car wash. Fires also broke out at a shop and another enterprise that he did not identify.

The images released from the area showed extensive destruction, with flames and thick smoke rising from a heavily damaged structure. Burning vehicles were also visible as emergency workers evacuated injured people from the scene.

The overall death toll from Russian attacks across Ukraine on Tuesday stood at at least 22.