Intensifying Offensive Ahead of the 77th Victory Day of World War II,
, ‘On May 8th (local time), Russia launched air strikes on energy facilities in Ukraine and occupied two conflict-ridden villages, intensifying its offensive. The attacks appear to be timed for the 77th Victory Day of World War II.’,
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, ‘According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy, the Russian military conducted large-scale bombings targeting power generation and transmission facilities in six regions including Zaporizhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, and Vinnytsia from the previous night until the morning of this day.’,
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| Zaporizhia in Ukraine, damaged from the bombing on May 8th (local time). Provided by the Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency Situations |
, ‘The Ministry of Energy announced, “Industrial power will be restricted from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.,” with plans for power outages, and urged for energy conservation during peak times from 7-10 a.m. and 5-10 p.m. to manage the damaged energy system.’,
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, ‘ The Ukrainian Air Force reported that overnight, they shot down 59 out of 76 missiles fired by the Russian military, including cruise and guided missiles, as well as 21 attack drones. One child was injured, and 13 private buildings were damaged.’,
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, ‘ The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that they used the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system and drones to attack energy facilities and military complexes in Ukraine, alleging a decrease in Western weapons’ transfer and military production capabilities. They also revealed that Russian forces had additionally taken control of two more villages, Klyslivka in Kharkiv oblast and Novokalynove in Donetsk oblast. Previously, they seized Kottlaryvka in Kharkiv and Solovyiivka in Donetsk, followed by attacks on Ukrainian drone production facilities and ammunition depots over the last 24 hours.’,
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, ‘ Last year, Russia also intensified its offensive in conflict zones such as Bachmut ahead of Victory Day.’,
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, ‘ On May 8, 1945, the Allied Forces including the U.S., UK, France, and the Soviet Union (Russia) unconditionally accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender, marking the end of World War II. Russia commemorates Victory Day on May 9th due to the time difference.’,
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