Ukraine’s biggest Black Sea port and administrative hub
Ukraine and Russia have announced a temporary ceasefire from Saturday to Sunday, coinciding with Orthodox Easter. Ukraine has expressed willingness to abide by the truce, while Russia describes it as a humanitarian measure. Both sides have previously declared short truces amid ongoing hostilities, with concerns over violations and the potential for lasting peace.
Ukraine has reported ongoing Russian drone and missile strikes across multiple regions, resulting in casualties and damage. Ukrainian air defenses have intercepted hundreds of drones, but some strikes have caused injuries and destruction. Ukraine's government continues to seek military support as tensions escalate.
Russia has carried out its deadliest attack on Ukraine in 2026, launching nearly 700 drones and dozens of missiles overnight on April 15-16. The strikes have killed at least 17 people, including a 12-year-old boy in Kyiv, and injured over 100 across Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine is facing shortages of US-made Patriot missiles amid ongoing air defense efforts.
Since late April 2026, Russia and Ukraine have been exchanging sustained drone and missile attacks that have killed civilians, damaged ports, hospitals and housing, and struck energy infrastructure on both sides. Overnight into 5 May, strikes have hit Ukrainian energy facilities and cities and Ukrainian forces have struck major Russian oil and industrial sites.
The EU has approved a previously stalled €90bn loan for Ukraine after Kyiv has repaired the Druzhba oil pipeline and Hungary and Slovakia have dropped objections once Russian oil flows restarted. The decision has come together with a 20th EU sanctions package on Russia, and funds are expected to start moving in the coming weeks.
Ukraine faces ongoing daytime drone and missile strikes as Russia extends attacks across major cities and infrastructure. Officials report casualties and damage, with air defences under renewed strain and international calls for support.
Ukraine has carried out large-scale long-range drone strikes into multiple Russian regions, including the Moscow area, killing at least four people and injuring dozens. Russia has reported intercepting hundreds to more than 1,000 drones; Ukrainian leaders have said the attacks are justified responses to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian forces have carried out long‑range strikes deep inside Russia, targeting drone components and oil infrastructure. Authorities report damage at facilities in Cheboksary and Samara, while Kyiv says other oil facilities and drones are being targeted. Russia reports drone activity and counterstrikes across multiple regions.
The Kremlin has made a show of defiance while Ukrainian strikes disrupt Russian fuel networks. Putin has admitted the strikes are painful, but demands a peace framework anchored in the Istanbul accords and expanded territorial goals. Moscow is doubling down even as fuel shortages bite. Follow developments as Western allies recalibrate support.
Ukraine has intensified long‑range strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure, targeting refineries and fuel depots. The attacks disrupt Moscow’s fuel supply, slow military logistics, and add pressure ahead of NATO diplomacy. Kyiv says its drones and missiles are striking Russia deeply behind the front lines, aiming to compel an end to the war.
Russia has launched another large overnight barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles and hundreds of drones at Kyiv, killing at least 11 people in the capital and surrounding districts and wounding dozens. Rescue crews are pulling people from damaged residential blocks, officials say, and Ukrainian leaders have renewed urgent calls for more air-defence systems ahead of a NATO summit.
Independent reports that Ukraine’s drone campaign has disrupted Russia’s fuel infrastructure, intensifying shortages and triggering public discontent. Putin insists on continuing the conflict and expanding energy defenses as Moscow confronts a mounting fuel crisis.