Russia claims more than 500 Ukrainian drones taken down in 24 hours

2025-05-08 02:14:06

(MENAFN)
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had intercepted and destroyed more than 500 Ukrainian drones during what it described as a massive aerial assault. In addition, Russian forces reportedly shot down two HIMARS rockets, five Neptune long-range missiles, and six U.S.-supplied JDAM precision bombs.

The surge in attacks comes just ahead of a ceasefire proposed by President Vladimir Putin, set to last from midnight on May 7 to midnight on May 10. Framed as a humanitarian gesture marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, the ceasefire also aims to create space for potential peace talks with Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s commitment to the ceasefire offer on Wednesday but criticized Kiev for escalating attacks in response. He accused Ukraine of continuing its “terrorist” tactics, pointing to the intensified drone strikes as evidence.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky rejected the truce proposal, labeling it a manipulative move by Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian officials reported record-high civilian casualties over the past week, with 15 people killed and 142 wounded in Ukrainian drone strikes, according to war crimes investigator Rodion Miroshnik.

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