Ukraine war briefing: Russia launches huge drone attack on western city

WorldPolitics
1 May 2026 • 11:16 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ukraine war briefing: Russia launches huge drone attack on western city

  • Russia launched more than 400 drones at Ukraine in a daytime attack, injuring 10 people in the western city of Ternopil, Ukrainian officials said on Friday.
  • Ukraine launched its fourth attack in two weeks on the Tuapse oil refinery in the Black Sea, causing a fire, while Russian drones simultaneously struck Odesa, injuring at least 20 people and damaging residential buildings and infrastructure.
  • Russia declared it would unilaterally implement a temporary ceasefire around Victory Day on 9 May, a decision made by Vladimir Putin, stating that Ukraine's response was not required.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Russia's ceasefire proposal as 'manipulative' and a 'theatrical performance,' advocating for an unconditional 30-day truce, and is seeking details of a short-term ceasefire Russia proposed to Donald Trump.
  • A Russian army officer was killed in an explosion in a military town, in what appeared to be a failed attempt to target Maj Gen Azatbek Omurbekov, while the head of the Royal Navy warned of a significant increase in Russian incursions into British waters, urging the UK to enhance its defence capabilities.

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