At least 27 people were killed in Russian attacks across eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest days this year. The violence occurred just hours before Ukraine proposed an indefinite ceasefire. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sibikha, criticized Russia for escalating hostilities despite the ceasefire proposal.
In specific incidents, airstrikes in Zaporizhia resulted in 12 fatalities, while Kramatorsk experienced six deaths from aerial bombs. Other attacks led to casualties in Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions. Russia previously announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 9 for commemorations of WWII, which Ukraine followed with its own ceasefire proposal.
Additionally, a Ukrainian drone strike in Crimea killed five civilians, according to local Moscow-based authorities.
The Venice Biennale is currently previewing its 61st exhibition, amid controversy due to participation by Israel and Russia. The Russian Pavilion will only be open for previews before closing. The event received EU funding of €2 million despite opposition from the Italian government, highlighting tensions surrounding Russia’s involvement.
Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadryova created an origami deer to replace a disused Soviet fighter jet in Pokrovsk, symbolizing resilience against the ongoing conflict. Ksenia Malik, co-curator of the Ukraine Pavilion, criticized the Biennale’s allowance for the Russian Pavilion as a misguided show of neutrality.
In diplomatic developments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about relations and the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the U.S. State Department approved a potential $373.6 million arms sale to Ukraine, including advanced weaponry from Boeing.
Lastly, two drones suspected of violating Finnish airspace were believed to have originated from Ukraine, entering from the south before heading towards Russia.
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