Ukraine carried out a major drone offensive on several Russian cities. This came right after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned down a proposed three-day ceasefire from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The war, now in its third year, continues with no sign of slowing down.

Drone Strikes Damage Russian Buildings

On Saturday, Ukrainian drones hit the coastal city of Novorossiysk near the Black Sea. Local officials reported damage to residential buildings. Governor Venyamin Kondratiev of the Krasnodar region confirmed the incident. He described the strikes as a “mass attack” on the Black Sea coast by Ukraine.

Authorities said five people were hurt in Novorossiysk, including two children, according to LBC. Videos shared online revealed the scale of destruction. As a result, Russian officials declared a state of emergency in the area.

Attacks Extend to Crimea and Belgorod

Additionally, Russian defense forces claimed they intercepted Ukrainian drones over Crimea and other regions. Yet, one drone exploded near a church close to Belgorod, far to the north.

Importantly, this drone wave came shortly after Russia’s own attack on Kharkiv, a Ukrainian city, where nearly 50 civilians were injured. These back-and-forth strikes highlight the increasing intensity of the conflict.

Zelenskyy Rejects Putin’s Truce Proposal

Russia had requested a 72-hour ceasefire starting May 8. The goal was to allow for peaceful celebrations of Victory Day on May 9, which honors the Soviet victory in World War II. However, Ukraine declined.

Zelenskyy dismissed the gesture, saying, “This is more of a theatrical performance on his part.” He explained, “Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war. Ukraine will not be playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9.”

Instead, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would only agree to a 30-day ceasefire. Last month, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of violating the Easter truce over 3,000 times, even though Putin had promoted that agreement.

Zelenskyy also said, “We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security, and therefore, we will not give you any guarantees.”

Kremlin Responds With Threats

The Russian government reacted sharply to Zelenskyy's rejection. They accused him of putting their Victory Day celebrations at risk. Moscow issued a warning to Kyiv, stating that Ukraine “may not survive” if it attacks the capital during the May 9 events.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, posted on Telegram, “He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day.” He added, “His statement … is, of course, a direct threat.”

These tensions have raised alarms just days ahead of Russia’s most important national holiday.

United States Ends Role in Peace Talks

Amid the rising hostilities, the United States announced that it will no longer mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The US government urged both sides to take responsibility and come up with real plans to end the war.

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the State Department, said during a press briefing, “The US is changing the methodology of how we contribute to talks and will stop travelling around the world at the drop of a hat for negotiations.” She continued, “Now it is up to the two sides, the time has come when they must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict. It will be up to them.”

Earlier this week, the State Department confirmed, “Donald Trump will no longer act as a mediator between the two countries.”