At least five people were killed and 39 others injured in Russian drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine’s power grid overnight into Tuesday, Ukrainian officials reported. The attacks came less than 24 hours before Kyiv announced it would implement a cease-fire and three days prior to Moscow’s pledge to declare its own pause in hostilities.

The strikes targeted critical infrastructure, further disrupting electricity supplies amid ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them an example of Moscow's "utter cynicism" for launching assaults after Russia announced a unilateral cease-fire intended to mark the 81st anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.

Ukraine’s announcement of a temporary cease-fire follows several similar declarations by Russia, which have often been timed to coincide with holidays and commemorative dates. Analysts note that these pauses have frequently been short-lived and unilateral, with fighting often resuming shortly after.

The recent escalation underscores continuing tensions between the two countries despite diplomatic efforts and cease-fire declarations. Both Ukraine and Russia have made similar offers to halt hostilities temporarily, although the effectiveness and sincerity of such proposals remain in question amid ongoing violence and retaliatory attacks.