Zelensky condemns Russian attacks as Ukraine death toll rises

WEB DESK: Russian bombardment of several Ukrainian cities on Tuesday has left more than 20 people dead and dozens more wounded, sparking a fierce condemnation from President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The deadly wave of attacks occurred on the same day Moscow proposed a temporary ceasefire to coincide with its Victory Day celebrations on May 9, according to The New York Times.

Zelensky dismissed the Russian offer as “absolutely cynical”, arguing that the latest bloodshed exposed the true nature of the Kremlin’s intentions.

Heavy casualties in southern and central regions

The southern city of Zaporizhzhia suffered the most significant loss of life, with at least 12 people killed and 37 others injured during daytime strikes.

According to Ukraine’s emergency services, this represents one of the highest casualty figures from a single attack this year.

Further strikes were reported in the city of Dnipro, where at least four people died, and in the centre of Kramatorsk, where five fatalities were confirmed by local authorities.

Social media footage from Kramatorsk depicted harrowing scenes of bodies in the streets amidst thick black smoke and flames.

Ceasefire proposal dismissed as a distraction

The escalation comes after President Vladimir Putin suggested a brief truce for the upcoming Russian holiday, a proposal that Zelensky had already challenged by calling for a permanent, open-ended ceasefire instead.

The Ukrainian leader stated that his country seeks a lasting peace rather than a temporary break designed merely to protect military parades in Moscow.

He accused Russian forces of showing “no restraint in destroying human life” and intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure in the latest round of “cynical” attacks.