Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the necessity to deploy nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not yet emerged, expressing hope that it will not. In a recent film aired by Russian state television, Putin reflected on his time in power, asserting that Russia possesses the strength and capability to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a "logical conclusion." He responded to a query regarding Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, affirming, "There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons … and I hope they will not be required."
Putin emphasized that Russia has adequate resources to achieve an outcome favorable to Moscow from what he described as started in 2022. In the same context, he mentioned that in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, a full-scale invasion was not feasible as "the country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West." He also mentioned that Russia "sincerely sought to solve the problem of Donbas by peaceful means" and suggested that reconciliation with Ukraine is "inevitable."
Despite Putin's comments, Russia and Ukraine remain at an impasse regarding ceasefire proposals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that a ceasefire could be established "even from today" if Russia shows serious intent toward ending the war. During a joint news conference with Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia rejected a U.S. proposal for a full ceasefire that has been proposed for 54 days. He expressed gratitude towards the Czech Republic for supporting Ukraine’s call for a 30-day ceasefire.
Zelenskyy criticized Putin's eagerness to showcase military might during the upcoming Victory Day parade, emphasizing that the Russian President should focus on concluding the war. He remains skeptical of Russia’s proposal for a 72-hour ceasefire to commemorate Victory Day in World War II, pointing out that Russia continues to launch numerous assaults despite signaling interest in a partial truce. He noted past instances, such as the attacks during the 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Putin, where Russia conducted over a hundred assaults.
The Kremlin has announced a humanitarian ceasefire that will take place from the start of May 8 through May 10 to commemorate Moscow's defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, which is considered Russia's most significant secular holiday. Zelenskyy also acknowledged the military support from the Czech Republic and expressed Ukraine's desire to acquire 1.8 million artillery shells in 2025 as part of a Czech-led initiative that had previously supplied 1.5 million rounds in the past year.
Additionally, Zelenskyy mentioned ongoing discussions with Pavel regarding the development of an aviation coalition, particularly the establishment of an F-16 training school in light of Russian attacks, which prevent the base from being established in Ukraine. As violence escalates, a recent Russian drone attack on Kyiv injured 11 people, including two children, as reported by Ukraine's State Emergency Service.
Witness accounts from residents such as Valentyna Fesiuk, an elderly woman, described waking up to significant explosions and the subsequent destruction in her neighborhood, where an apartment caught fire. Another resident, Viacheslav Khotab, shared his frustrations regarding the ongoing conflict and the lack of peace negotiations, while teenager Daryna Kravchuk recounted her terrifying experience during the air raid.
Furthermore, local authorities reported two fatalities caused by Russian guided bombs in the Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions. In total, Russian forces launched 165 drones and decoys, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 69 among them. Russia's Defense Ministry also claimed to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones overnight.
