Russia Strikes Ukraine's Power Grid with 11 Missiles and 164 Drones: Foreign Minister Sybiha Urges Global Ceasefire

Massive Overnight Russian Assault on Ukraine

According to Главком: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has reported a large-scale overnight Russian attack targeting Ukrainian cities, with a primary focus on energy infrastructure. The assault involved the launch of 11 ballistic missiles and 164 drones. At least five people were killed, and more than ten others were wounded in the strikes. Among the dead are two emergency responders who lost their lives in a double-tap strike in the Poltava region. Viktor Kuzmenko, a Hero of Ukraine who had responded to over 50 attacks, and Dmytro Skryl, who dedicated more than 20 years to service, were victims of this inhumane act.

Response to Peace Efforts

The attack came as Moscow’s reply to Kyiv’s peace initiatives, with Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal set to begin at midnight on May 6.

“While the world awaits Moscow’s response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal, which was to start at midnight on May 6, Russia is showing its true terrorist face,” stated Andrii Sybiha.

He also called on the international community to back President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s initiative for an immediate ceasefire that night.

“We need the support of all peace-loving nations and international organizations. The world must choose diplomacy, not terror,” the minister added.

According to reports, a subsequent strike in the Poltava region killed four people, including two State Emergency Service (SES) workers. “Two of the killed were first responders who died from a despicable double-tap strike aimed at those who arrived to help people at the attack site. Only a terrorist state like Russia employs such inhumane and criminal tactics,” emphasized Andrii Sybiha.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for consolidated international support to take a principled stand for peace rather than war and terror. The attack highlights the critical situation in Ukraine, where the armed conflict has been ongoing for an extended period, endangering the lives of civilians and rescue workers. The international community’s response to these actions could significantly influence the course of events and the potential for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The recent assault highlights a troubling trend, as deadly strikes have increasingly targeted not only energy infrastructure but also rescue workers across multiple regions. This pattern of violence raises significant concerns about the safety of first responders and the broader implications for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. To learn more about the impact of these strikes and the ongoing crisis, read about the devastating attacks on Ukraine's energy grid and rescuers.