Two Russian fighter jets have been destroyed by Ukrainian sea drones, according to reports, with video of the first strike emerging.
Ukraine’s military intelligence said it shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk using a naval drone on Saturday, calling it the world’s first such strike.
The agency chief then told The War Zone that two Russian jets were in fact downed in the operation on Saturday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed the destruction of another Russian aircraft within 24 hours, following a strike on an airfield in occupied Crimea.
Meanwhile, two children are among the 11 people injured in Kyiv after Russia launched another mass drone attack at Ukraine, officials have said.
Moscow’s waves of overnight drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital also set homes and cars throughout the city on fire, the military and officials of Kyiv said on Sunday. Falling debris damaged buildings, as explosions were heard and air-raid sirens sounded for nearly an hour across the capital and eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's air force said its air defence units shot down 69 of 165 drones launched by Russia, while 80 more were lost.
It comes just hours after Mr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to commit to a full 30-day ceasefire starting today, reiterating on social media his push for Moscow to accept “complete silence” so the two countries can work out next steps towards peace.
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Key Points
- Two Russian fighter jets destroyed by sea drones, according to reports
- Watch: Ukraine claims to shoot down Russian warplane using sea drone for first time
- Zelensky takes thinly-veiled dig at Hungarian PM
- Zelensky: Ceasefire with Russia possible at any moment
- Russia's drone attack on Kyiv injures 11 and sparks residential fires, Ukraine says
- Special report: Putin’s endgame in Ukraine – and why it won’t finish there
Ukraine destroys electrical equipment factory in Russia's Bryansk region, governor says
22:00
,
Alex Croft
Ukrainian forces struck a factory in Russia's Bryansk region destroying much of the facility, the local governor said on Sunday.
In a statement on Telegram, governor Alexander Bogomaz, whose Bryansk region borders both Ukraine and Belarus in the far west of Russia, said that the workshops and administrative buildings of the factory in the village of Suzemka had been destroyed.
There were no casualties, he said.
Mash, a Telegram channel with links to Russia's security services, said that the factory produces electrical equipment, including transformers. It said it had been struck with a Grad rocket system.
Mash posted video of a large plume of smoke, coiling above a factory. The footage could not be verified.
Ukraine has struck Russian industrial facilities that it accuse of producing equipment for Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine since the beginning of full-scale hostilities in February 2022.
China' Xi to visit Russia May 7-10, Kremlin says
21:25
,
Alex Croft
Chinese President Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia from 7-10 May, where he will participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Kremlin said on Sunday.
In a statement on Telegram, the Kremlin said that Xi will discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin the development of the two countries' strategic partnership, as well as signing a number of documents.
"During the talks, the main issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda will be discussed," the Kremlin said.
Zelensky takes thinly-veiled dig at Hungarian PM
20:52
,
Alex Croft
Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared to take a dig at Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban over his opposition to Ukrainian accession to the EU.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian president thanked the Czech Republic - whose president he met in Prague on Sunday - for its support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.
But he added: “It is regrettable that certain individuals in Europe are blocking this progress—not to serve their nations’ interests, but to secure a better seat on the grandstand in Red Square.”
It comes amid a war of words between Kyiv and Hungary’s hard-right government, which advocates a much softer stance against Russia, over Ukraine’s application to join the EU.
“What matters for all of us in Europe is that European values—not whims of individual politicians—truly prevail,” he added.
We value the Czech Republic’s support for Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. This year, we are ready to open the first clusters in the negotiation process.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 4, 2025
It is regrettable that certain individuals in Europe are blocking this progress—not to serve their nations’ interests,…
Pictured: Women sees destroyed car after Kyiv strikes
20:19
,
Alex Croft
One killed and three injured after Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk region
19:47
,
Alex Croft
One man was killed and three people were injured after Russian attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk region earlier on Sunday, according to the head of the region’s military administration.
"In the afternoon, Russian forces dropped a guided aerial bomb on the Novopavlivka hromada [village] in the Synelnykove district,” Serhii Lysak said according to Ukrainska Pravda.
“A 54-year-old man was killed… The attack sparked two fires. A house and an outbuilding caught fire."
At least six injured in attacks on Donetsk region
19:14
,
Alex Croft
At least six civilians were injured in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region following a series of Russian attacks on Sunday morning, local authorities said.
Three civilians aged between 65 and 69 were injured in the city of Druzhkivka, where the scale of damage is still being assessed by authorities, the chief of the region’s military administration, Vadym Filashkin, said.
Two people were injured in Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian strategic town on the frontline where Russian forces have been pushing towards for months.
Another person was injured in the village of Zarichne, in an attack which completely destroyed two residential buildings.
Zelensky demands more sanctions on Russia
18:43
,
Alex Croft
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded “more sanctions” on Russia with a peace deal still appearing far from being reached.
"Three things are needed. More sanctions against Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and a significant increase in defence cooperation across Europe," Mr Zelensky said.
"Russia must know that Europeans will defend themselves."
Mr Zelensky was speaking from Prague alongside Czech president Petr Pavel, who he met on Sunday to discuss artillery and F-16 support.
Mr Pavel said Russia had yet to show any indication it wanted to proceed with measures to end the war.
"If someone has all the cards in their hand to end the war then it is President Putin, who can do it with a single decision," he told reporters. "But so far the will has not appeared."
Full report: Russian drone attack injures 47 in Ukraine’s second largest city Kharkiv
18:20
,
Alex Croft
A Russian drone barrage targeting Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has left 47 people injured, according to local authorities.
The attack, which came late on Friday, saw drones strike 12 locations across the city, impacting residential buildings and vehicles, as confirmed by Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that the locations included civilian infrastructure.
In the wake of the assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the country’s international allies for increased and more decisive support.
Read more here:
What is the Su-57 Russian fighter jet which Ukraine says it shot down?
17:58
,
Alex Croft
Designed in the "pixelated" camouflage colour scheme, the Sukhoi fighter jet’s body has a colour mix of dark and light grey with and black pixels, which experts say is designed to add to its stealth capabilities.
According to chief test pilot Sergei Bogdan, the latest Russian fifth-generation fighter jet has no limits for development and is the first such Russian warplane that can participate in real combat. Its stealth feature – the first in the Russian Air Force – comprises a low signature design which minimises its chances of detection by radar systems.
It can be developed for carrying missiles and bombs in cargo compartments and has a major onboard defence complex. The jet also features an internal weapons bay for the pilot, allowing a flexible choice between a long-range or a close-combat missiles option in a scenario of military engagement.
Mr Bogdan claims the fighter jet’s agility could give it an edge over its American competitor F-35.
According to its manufacturer, serial production of the aircraft began in 2022.
What is the US-Ukraine minerals deal? | Independent Explains
17:34
,
Alex Croft
Trump: A peace deal between Ukraine and Russia may be impossible
17:10
,
Alex Croft
Donald Trump has said reaching a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia may be impossible.
In an interview with NBC news, the US president discussed Washington’s suggestion that it could step away from its mediating role at any moment.
"Sometimes I get close to it, and then positive things happen," he explained.
"Well, there will be a time when I say: 'Okay, keep going. Keep being stupid and keep fighting'.”
He added: "Maybe it's not possible to do… There's tremendous hatred, just so you understand, between these two men [Zelensky and Putin], and between, you know, some of the soldiers, frankly.
“Between generals. They've been fighting hard for three years. I think we have a very good chance of doing it."
In pictures: Zelensky visits Prague, Czech Republic
16:43
,
Alex Croft
Zelensky: Ceasefire with Russia possible at any moment
16:14
,
Alex Croft
Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Kyiv believes a ceasefire with Russia is possible at any moment.
Speaking during a visit to Prague, Czechia, the Ukrainian president added that Kyiv hopes to received 1.8 million shells from its European ally in 2025.
Two people killed by Russian guided bombs, officials say
16:00
,
Tara Cobham
Two people were killed by Russian guided bombs on Sunday, local officials have said.
One person was killed in the Dnipropetrovsk region and the other in the Sumy region.
Russia and Ukraine at odds over competing ceasefire proposals
15:33
Russia and Ukraine are at odds over competing ceasefire proposals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday, in comments made public on Saturday, that Moscow's announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in the Second World War is an attempt to create a "soft atmosphere" ahead of Russia's annual celebrations.
Mr Zelensky instead renewed calls for a 30-day pause in hostilities, as the US had proposed. He said the proposed ceasefire could start any time as a meaningful step toward ending the war.
Mr Putin on Monday declared the unilateral 72-hour ceasefire as the US presses for a deal to end the three-year war.
The Kremlin said the truce, ordered on "humanitarian grounds", will run from the start of May 8 and run until the end of May 10 to mark Moscow's defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 - Russia's biggest secular holiday.
Putin claims he did not launch full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2014 as it was 'practically unrealistic'
15:06
,
Tara Cobham
Russian president Vladimir Putin has claimed that the reason he did not launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2014, when he illegally annexed Crimea, was because it was “practically unrealistic”.
In comments aired Sunday in a film by Russian state television about his quarter of a century in power, Mr Puting said: “The country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West.”
In pictures: Residents react the morning after drone strike hits Kyiv
14:30
,
Bryony Gooch
Watch live: Ukrainian and Czech presidents meet
14:04
,
Tara Cobham
Zelensky arrives in Czech Republic ahead of meeting with Pavel
13:30
,
Tara Cobham
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the Czech Republic with his wife Olena Zelenska.
He is there on an official visit during which he will meet with Czech president Petr Pavel.
Together with the First Lady, we have arrived in the Czech Republic on an official visit. Meetings are scheduled with President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, with the heads of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, leaders of parliamentary factions, as well as with… pic.twitter.com/ZgI7PGIF93
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 4, 2025
Special report: Putin’s endgame in Ukraine – and why it won’t finish there
13:00
,
Tara Cobham
Dismissing Vladimir Putin’s offer of a brief ceasefire in May as yet “another attempt at manipulation” is an understatement. The Russian president is - according to the former head of MI6 - intent on taking much more than just Ukraine.
Far from worried by recent mini-threats from Donald Trump to increase sanctions or stung by the US president’s irritation at Russia’s stalling over a ceasefire, Putin is cupping his ears in a pantomime of attention and carrying on doing as he pleases.
Such behaviour chimes with the uncharacteristically stark message from ex-spy chief Sir Alex Younger who, after a lifetime in the shadows of espionage, has a simple message: “If you don't stand up to him, he comes back for more - how many more times do we need to be told this?”
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley reports:
Ukrainians attacked in Kyiv frustrated with stalled peace negotiations
12:29
,
Tara Cobham
A Kyiv resident whose car was set alight in Russia’s overnight drone attack on the Ukrainain capital has expressed frustration with stalled peace negotiations.
Viacheslav Khotab said: “I saw my car burning. I was covered with broken glass. I couldn't do anything.”
The 54-year-old said of the stalled peace negotiations: “They can't agree on anything, and we are the ones who suffer the consequences.”
The attack woke up Valentyna Fesiuk, an 83-year-old resident of Kyiv’s Obolon district.
"I was just sleeping when the house shook. It was at 12.30. An apartment on the 12th floor caught fire," she told The Associated Press.
Putin claims Russia has strength to bring Ukraine war to 'logical conclusion'
12:00
,
Tara Cobham
Russian president Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia has sufficient strength and resources to take the war in Ukraine to its “logical conclusion”.
In a film by state television about Putin's quarter of a century as Russia's paramount leader entitled "Russia, Kremlin, Putin, 25 years", released on Sunday, he said: “We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
Zelensky to meet Czech president in Prague on Sunday
11:30
,
Tara Cobham
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the Czech Republic on Sunday and meet its president, Petr Pavel, the Czech president's office said.
Two Russian fighter jets destroyed by sea drones, according to reports
11:00
,
Tara Cobham
Two Russian fighter jets have been destroyed by Ukrainian sea drones, according to reports, with video of the first strike emerging.
Ukraine’s military intelligence said it shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk using a naval drone on Saturday, calling it the world’s first such strike.
The agency chief then told The War Zone that two Russian jets were in fact downed in the operation on Saturday.
Watch: Ukraine claims to shoot down Russian warplane using sea drone for first time
10:38
,
Tara Cobham
One person also injured in Russian drone attack on Cherkasy in central Ukraine
10:02
One person was also injured in a Russian drone attack on Cherkasy in central Ukraine.
In addition to Kyiv, drones attacked Cherkasy overnight, where according to national television 15 of the 22 drones targeting the city were shot down.
Emergency services said one person had been injured, with damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
"The regional centre was hit the hardest. Residential infrastructure, furniture factory warehouses, a trading centre and garden buildings were damaged," Governor Ihor Taburets said on Telegram.
Ukraine destroys electrical equipment factory in Russia's Bryansk region, governor says
09:30
,
Tara Cobham
Ukrainian forces struck a factory in Russia's Bryansk region destroying much of the facility, the local governor said on Sunday.
In a statement on Telegram, governor Alexander Bogomaz, whose Bryansk region borders both Ukraine and Belarus in the far west of Russia, said that the workshops and administrative buildings of the factory in the village of Suzemka had been destroyed.
There were no casualties, he said.
Mash, a Telegram channel with links to Russia's security services, said that the factory produces electrical equipment, including transformers. It said it had been struck with a Grad rocket system.
Mash posted video of a large plume of smoke, coiling above a factory. The footage could not be verified.
Ukraine has struck Russian industrial facilities that it accuse of producing equipment for Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine since the beginning of full-scale hostilities in February 2022.
China' Xi to visit Russia May 7-10, Kremlin says
09:00
,
Tara Cobham
Chinese President Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia from 7-10 May, where he will participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Kremlin said on Sunday.
In a statement on Telegram, the Kremlin said that Xi will discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin the development of the two countries' strategic partnership, as well as signing a number of documents.
"During the talks, the main issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda will be discussed," the Kremlin said.
Putin says he hopes there will be no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine in apparent threat
08:42
,
Tara Cobham
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he hopes the need to use nuclear weapons would not arise in an apparent threat.
In a fragment of an upcoming interview with Russian state television published on Telegram on Sunday, Mr Putin also said that Russia has the strength and the means to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a "logical conclusion".
UPDATE: Russia's drone attack on Kyiv injures 11 and sparks residential fires, Ukraine says
08:15
Russia's mass overnight drone attack on Kyiv injured at least 11 people, including two children, and set several residential buildings throughout the city on fire, the military and officials of the Ukrainian capital said on Sunday.
Falling debris from destroyed drones sparked fires at residential buildings in Kyiv's Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on social media.
Ukraine's emergency service said on the Telegram messaging app that 76 firefighters were involved in putting out the overnight fires in Kyiv, which also included a small blaze in Kyiv's central Shevchenkivskyi district.
It posted photos of firefighters battling large blazes at night at what seemed like a residential building.
The emergency service also said that several cars across the city caught fire from falling drone debris.
Reuters' witnesses heard several explosions in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.
There was no immediate information on the full scale of the attack. Kyiv, its surrounding region and the eastern half of Ukraine were under air-raid alerts for about an hour, starting soon after midnight on Sunday local time (10pm UK time).
Ukraine's military says it shot down 69 of 165 drones launched by Russia overnight
07:34
,
Tara Cobham
Ukraine's air defence units shot down 69 of 165 drones launched by Russia in an overnight attack, the air force said on Sunday.
It said 80 drones were lost, in reference to the Ukrainian military using electronic warfare to redirect them, or they were drone simulators that did not carry warheads.
VE Day: Ukrainian troops to join London procession to mark anniversary of victory
07:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Ukrainian troops will join UK forces in London on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
The procession, involving roughly 1,000 UK service personnel from across the armed forces, will also include Ukrainian personnel currently training in Britain as part of Operation Interflex.
This act of solidarity highlights the global support for Ukraine’s ongoing defence against Russia’s invasion, the MoD said.
VE Day, observed annually on 8 May, marks the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Ukraine has prised Trump away from the Kremlin with minerals deal in triumph of diplomacy
07:10
,
Shahana Yasmin
Russia greeted a mineral deal signed between the United States and Ukraine with glee through gritted teeth.
Dmitri Medvedev, the former president, said the deal means Ukraine “will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country”. It does not.
It does mean that, for the first time this year, the US now sees Ukraine as a financial asset, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley
Russia’s drone strike on Kyiv injures 11, damages multiple buildings
06:50
,
Shahana Yasmin
Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv overnight, injuring at least 11 people, including two children, and sparking fires in several residential areas, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday.
Falling debris from destroyed drones caused fires in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts. Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed the fires on social media. The city’s emergency services reported that 76 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blazes, including a fire in Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district.
Photos posted online showed firefighters battling large fires at residential buildings during the night.In addition to the fires, several cars across the city caught fire from falling drone debris. Witnesses reported hearing explosions, which sounded like air defense systems in action, according to Reuters.
Kyiv and surrounding regions were under air-raid alerts for about an hour, starting soon after midnight local time.
In pictures: Russia launches overnight attacks on Kyiv
06:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Zelensky accuses Putin of 'playing games' over proposed ceasefire
06:10
,
Shahana Yasmin
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian president Vladimir Putin of using a proposed three-day ceasefire as a “theatrical performance” ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations.
In response to Russia’s announcement of a 3-day halt in hostilities starting 8 May, Zelensky argued that such a brief period would not allow for meaningful peace talks.
He added that Ukraine would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on 9 May,” referring to the planned foreign delegations attending Russia’s World War II commemorations.
Ukraine and the US have proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Russia has so far rejected.
France to ramp up production of AASM Hammer bombs for Ukraine
05:50
,
Shahana Yasmin
France plans to increase production of its AASM Hammer guided air bombs to 1,200 units in 2025, up from 830 in 2024, as part of ongoing defense support for Ukraine, according to The Kyiv Independent.
The precision bombs, developed by Safran, have become a key weapon for Ukraine’s air force due to their high accuracy and resistance to Russian electronic warfare.
According to Le Parisien, the French government requested Safran to integrate surface-to-air missile systems (SAM) onto Ukrainian fighter jets after American JDAM bombs failed to hit targets. This modification, completed in 2023, enables precise targeting from Ukraine's Soviet-era jets.
France currently supplies around 50 AASM bombs per month to Ukraine.
What is the Su-57 Russian fighter jet?
05:26
,
Shahana Yasmin
Designed in the "pixelated" camouflage colour scheme, the Sukhoi fighter jet’s body has a colour mix of dark and light grey with and black pixels, which experts say is designed to add to its stealth capabilities.
According to chief test pilot Sergei Bogdan, the latest Russian fifth-generation fighter jet has no limits for development and is the first such Russian warplane that can participate in real combat. Its stealth feature – the first in the Russian Air Force – comprises a low signature design which minimises its chances of detection by radar systems.
It can be developed for carrying missiles and bombs in cargo compartments and has a major onboard defence complex. The jet also features an internal weapons bay for the pilot, allowing a flexible choice between a long-range or a close-combat missiles option in a scenario of military engagement.
Mr Bogdan claims the fighter jet’s agility could give it an edge over its American competitor F-35.
According to its manufacturer, serial production of the aircraft began in 2022.
Ukraine destroys Russian fighter jet with sea drone for first time
04:43
,
Shahana Yasmin
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported the destruction of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet by a missile fired from a sea drone – what it called the world’s first downing of a combat aircraft by a maritime drone.
The $50m jet was reportedly hit midair and crashed into the sea near Novorossiisk, according to The Kyiv Independent.
A pro-Russian blogger claimed the pilots ejected and were rescued by civilian sailors, the Guardian reported.
Later in the day, president Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had destroyed a second Russian military aircraft within 24 hours, following a strike on a military airfield in occupied Crimea.
“I thank our guys who are increasing Ukrainian long-range capabilities – both in the sky and at sea. The shooting down of a Russian military aircraft by our naval drone was brilliant – proof of Ukrainian capabilities,” Mr Zelensky said his evening address.
Russian drone attack on Kyiv injures 7, sets buildings and cars ablaze
04:42
,
Shahana Yasmin
A Russian drone attack on Kyiv overnight injured seven people, including two children aged 14 and 17, Kyiv military administration head Tymur Tkachenko wrote on Telegram.
The strike triggered multiple explosions across the capital as air defences engaged incoming drones, and debris sparked fires and damage in several districts.
In the Obolonskyi district, the Dream Town shopping mall sustained damage, while at least seven cars and the top floors of a high-rise building caught fire. Similar incidents were reported in the Shevchenkivskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, where falling debris ignited additional blazes.
Kyiv, its surrounding region, and much of eastern Ukraine were under air-raid alerts for about an hour starting shortly after midnight local time. Witnesses reported hearing several loud blasts during the attack, which Ukrainian officials say is part of a broader escalation targeting civilians in recent weeks.