Russia launches massive drone assault on Ukraine hours after the end of a three-day ceasefire, escalating tensions as diplomatic efforts face continued challenges.

At a Glance

• Ukraine reports Russia launched over 100 drones, intercepting 60 of them, following the end of a three-day ceasefire
• Putin has proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, while Zelenskyy demands an unconditional ceasefire first
• European leaders including Macron and Merz have dismissed Russia’s peace overtures as insufficient without a proper ceasefire
• Both sides accuse each other of violating the brief ceasefire, with Ukraine reporting 734 violations and Russia claiming 488
• Turkey’s President Erdoğan has offered to host negotiations, seeing a “window of opportunity” for peace

Ceasefire Collapses Amid Fresh Attacks

Ukraine’s military reported an aggressive escalation from Moscow early Saturday morning as Russian forces launched approximately 100 drones into Ukrainian territory around 2:00 am, just hours after a short-lived ceasefire ended.

Despite Ukraine’s air defenses successfully intercepting 60 of these unmanned aerial vehicles, the attack represents a significant intensification following the brief pause in hostilities. The three-day ceasefire, which both sides claimed the other violated, has been criticized by Ukrainian officials as merely a “theatrical show” rather than a genuine effort toward peace.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha didn’t mince words about the ineffectiveness of the temporary truce, stating: “Russia’s unilateral, three-day ceasefire has proved to be a farce because of continued attacks across the front line.” The Kremlin, meanwhile, has characterized the brief ceasefire as a “test of Ukraine’s readiness for peace,” despite having previously rejected American and Ukrainian proposals for a more substantial halt to hostilities. The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, has now dragged on for over three years.

Ukraine's MFA responded to Putin's unilaterally declared 'truce' https://t.co/skdukvTHz3

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) May 8, 2025

Diplomatic Posturing from Both Sides

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine, suggesting a meeting in Istanbul on May 15. “Russian president Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine on 15 May in Istanbul to achieve what he claims could be ‘the restoration of a long-term, lasting peace’ if certain conditions are met,” according to reports from The Guardian. This would mark the first direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv since March 2022, signaling what some see as a potential shift in Russia’s approach to the conflict.

These diplomatic overtures come as Russia currently controls approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed willingness to host the proposed talks in Istanbul, viewing the current situation as presenting a “window of opportunity” for peace negotiations. However, Ukrainian officials remain skeptical about Russia’s intentions, with one Ukrainian parliamentarian warning: “We don’t want a peace that breaks apart in no time, and Russia takes another attempt to try and kill us and destroy us.”

MORE: Ukrainian forces likely recently advanced across the international border into southern Tetkino, Kursk Oblast, amid continued limited Ukrainian attacks in the area. Other Key Takeaways ⬇️

Ukrainian forces conducted long-range drone strikes against defense industrial… https://t.co/38idhDLSPh pic.twitter.com/iDjfzvgkpK

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 8, 2025

European Leaders Push for Substantive Action

European leaders have taken a firm stance regarding Russia’s proposal, demanding more concrete steps toward peace. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland have called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire from Russia, threatening “massive” new sanctions if this demand isn’t met. French President Emmanuel Macron has been particularly direct in his assessment of the situation, rejecting Putin’s proposal for talks while hostilities continue.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has characterized Russia’s offer to negotiate as a “good sign” but “far from sufficient,” aligning with other European leaders who view the proposal as potentially a delaying tactic rather than a genuine push for resolution. The timing of Putin’s offer comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow to sign an investment deal, and as Russia prepared for its Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II. Ukraine has warned about potential attacks during these Moscow celebrations, with Russia implementing increased security measures in response.