Zelensky Calls for a 24/7 Ceasefire: “Not Just for Holidays, but Every Day” After Nighttime Missile Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reacting to the nightly attacks by Russian occupiers using drones, strongly emphasized the need for a genuine and comprehensive ceasefire. In his social media address, he highlighted that Ukraine does not need a symbolic “break” for a few days or weeks, but stability and continuity in halting hostilities to end the bloodshed and restore peace. Zelensky noted that this year's shellings, especially during the night of May 3 to 4, have become some of the most threatening of the entire war. According to him, in the capital Kyiv, major fires broke out during the night on Monday as a result of missile and drone attacks by Russian forces, leading to destruction in three districts – Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi. Dozens of buildings were damaged, and among the injured were 11 civilians, including two children. Moreover, a fire broke out in a dormitory in Cherkasy, further underscoring the scale of the tragedy. Zelensky reminded that most of the attacked drones are Iranian “Shaheds,” which Russia has used to strike Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv regions. This indicates an intense and cynical deployment of various types of weaponry aimed at destroying the lives of ordinary Ukrainians, even during festive days. In his direct speech, he emphasized the cynicism of Russia, which on the eve of May 9 — Victory Day over Nazism — asks for “silence,” while at the same time continuing to shell Ukraine daily. According to Zelensky, such behavior by Russian forces demonstrates the highest level of cynicism and blatant disregard for human lives and international agreements. “Russia is asking for silence on May 9, but they themselves are relentlessly shelling our country around the clock without warnings. This is the height of cynicism,” the president stressed. He added that the Ukrainian authorities continue to strive for genuine peace and are prepared to agree to temporary ceasefires, provided that they last at least a month and are truly humane for the population. He underlined that “a real ceasefire that lasts around the clock — not just during holidays, but every day — is needed.” According to him, only through such measures can the war be defeated and the country be given the opportunity to recover and return to peaceful life. It is worth recalling that on the night of May 3 to 4, Kyiv was subjected to powerful missile strikes. Residential areas in three districts suffered fires and destruction as a result of the attack. People were injured, including two children. Rescue services worked around the clock to extinguish fires, evacuate residents, and law enforcement agencies began investigating the causes and extent of the damage. Overall, the Ukrainian leader once again calls on the international community and all interested parties to unite efforts to achieve a sustainable and comprehensive ceasefire, which will ensure the security of Ukrainians and serve as the first step toward lasting peace in the country.