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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of insincerity regarding the ceasefire, warning of a large-scale retaliatory strike on central Kiev if Moscow is attacked on Victory Day. Zakharova also reaffirmed Russia's openness to genuine negotiations while cautioning against using them as a cover.
European Council President António Costa and other EU figures have signalled preparations for possible talks with Russia on the Ukraine conflict, including discussions among national leaders and an upcoming informal foreign ministers' meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to select a negotiator and maintain a strong role, while German and Bulgarian leaders stressed conditions such as a ceasefire and balanced diplomacy.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev expressed disappointment over the IOC's decision to keep restrictions on Russian athletes while lifting them for Belarus, remaining optimistic about a return to international sports. He cited progress in wrestling and muaythai, and forecast that nearly all Russian athletes could be cleared by year's end.
Russia has declared a ceasefire for May 8-9 to mark the Soviet victory in World War II, urging Ukraine to follow suit. Moscow warned of a massive retaliatory strike on central Kiev if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Victory Day celebrations, while Ukraine announced its own ceasefire from May 6.
Viktor Medvedchuk, head of the Other Ukraine movement, claims that neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky nor his European backers want peace, as an end to the conflict would spell the end of their political careers. He asserts that the US and EU are pursuing opposing strategies—one aimed at peace, the other at continued war—and accuses Europe of complicity in the conflict, warning of Russia's right to respond forcefully.
Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, have warned that Moscow will launch a massive retaliatory strike on central Kiev if Ukraine attacks the Russian capital during Victory Day celebrations. Zakharova characterized Zelensky's threats as terrorist intent, while Russia declared a ceasefire for May 8-9.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has said it will not underestimate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s threats to attack Moscow’s Victory Day parade, warning of massive retaliatory strikes on Kyiv if the celebrations are disrupted. The threats, made at a European Political Community summit, have drawn harsh condemnation from Russian officials, while Moscow has urged foreign diplomatic missions to evacuate staff from the Ukrainian capital.
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev published an article accusing Germany of pursuing a revanchist course, undermining international treaties, and militarizing the Bundeswehr. He also warned that Germany's actions threaten European security and could draw the US into conflict with Russia.
Bloomberg reports that US special envoy Steve Witkoff may meet Ukraine's security council secretary Rustem Umerov in Miami. The meeting comes amid ongoing negotiations and a major corruption probe in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian drone struck TASS photojournalist Alexander Polegenko in the town of Vasilyevka, Zaporozhye Region, during a declared ceasefire. Russian officials and journalist unions condemned the attack, calling it deliberate and aimed at silencing independent reporting, while law enforcement suggested links to Ukrainian intelligence units.
Russian officials say a Ukrainian drone targeted a TASS photojournalist in the Zaporozhye Region during a declared ceasefire, calling it a violation of international law. The journalist was unharmed but his vehicle was damaged. This incident has been used to criticize Ukraine's commitment to press freedom and humanitarian agreements.
Both Ukraine and Russia have announced temporary ceasefires, yet Russian-installed officials report continued attacks on the city of Energodar. Reports indicate drone activity and strikes on the city administration building, with conflicting narratives about the intent. The situation around the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant remains a focal point of concern.
Russian officials accuse Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of violating a newly declared ceasefire with a deadly attack on Crimea's Dzhankoy, killing five civilians. Reports indicate Russia has threatened a massive retaliatory strike on Kyiv if Moscow is attacked during Victory Day celebrations, while Kyiv's ceasefire declaration came into effect just after the incident.
Finnish authorities have condemned Ukrainian drones entering Finnish airspace, while the military says shooting them down is unfeasible near the Russian border. A Russian military analyst suggests the stance indicates tacit agreements with Kyiv, a claim not independently verified.
The European Political Community summit held in Yerevan on May 4 drew mixed reactions, with Russian analysts and European politicians calling it a failed anti-Russian demonstration, while Armenian and Ukrainian officials focused on bilateral cooperation. The summit also highlighted Armenia's delicate balancing act between EU aspirations and its existing ties with Russia.
Moscow shut down airports and restricted mobile internet as security was tightened ahead of the Victory Day parade, following a drone strike on a residential high-rise. Russian officials reported no casualties, while Ukrainian President Zelensky said the Kremlin feared drone flights over Red Square.
Russian officials and media warn that Ukraine may stage provocations during the Victory Day ceasefire, while US naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz risk complicating negotiations with Iran. German military aid restructuring and EU-Armenia security cooperation also feature in the latest Russian press review.
Fresh audio recordings linked to businessman Timur Mindich, an associate of President Zelensky, have intensified a corruption scandal in Ukraine’s defense sector. The tapes allegedly capture discussions with senior officials, including then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, prompting calls for his dismissal and raising concerns about the integrity of military procurement.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, discussing intergovernmental consultations and bilateral cooperation. Fico reiterated Slovakia's opposition to military loans for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of oil and gas transit via Ukraine for Slovakia's national interests.
Ukraine launched a wave of drone attacks on Russian targets, setting fire to the Baltic oil port of Primorsk and striking two shadow fleet tankers near Novorossiysk. Russian officials reported more than 60 drones downed and at least one civilian killed. The attacks come amid stalled peace talks and escalating strikes on energy infrastructure.