Photo : Anadolu Agency
Photo : Anadolu Agency
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 04 May, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s three-day ceasefire proposal. He dismissed it calling as a "theatrical performance" timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Zelenskyy argued that such a short pause was insufficient towards a meaningful plan to end the war. He criticised it as a move aimed at easing Putin’s international isolation. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to agree to an absolute 30-day ceasefire instead.
On 04 May, Ukraine's General Staff reported intense clashes in the eastern Ukraine. This was particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian troops reportedly repelled 70 attacks with 12 more battles still underway. Pokrovsk is known as vital transport hub, is under pressure as Russian forces advance.
On 04 May, Czech President Petr Pavel and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire with Russia is possible "at any moment." This was possible only if sufficient pressure was applied on Russia. Pavel emphasized that without such pressure, Russia is unlikely to take concrete steps toward ending the war, noting that it has ignored a US-backed 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine accepted the proposal in March after talks in Saudi Arabia, but Russia has not. This comes as Zelenskyy began a two-day visit to the Czech Republic to meet President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, with discussions predicted to focus on a Czech-led European initiative to supply Ukraine with millions of artillery shells, 400,000 of which have already been delivered in 2025. The Czech Republic has given military equipment and sheltering over half a million Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion began.
On 04 May, Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched an overnight drone attack on Kyiv, resulting in damage to multiple buildings and fires in the Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, according to local officials. Kyiv's military administration head, Timur Tkachenko, confirmed that debris from downed drones caused the fires, while Mayor Vitali Klitschko said emergency medical teams were dispatched to the affected areas.
On 03 May, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency announced the destruction of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet using a missile fired from a seaborne drone. It marked it as the world’s first instance of a combat plane downed by a maritime drone. According to the report the missile strike took place over waters near Novorossiisk, a key Russian port city on the Black Sea, and was carried out by Ukraine’s military intelligence unit, Group 13. According to Novorossiisk's mayor, a state of emergency after Ukraine’s drone attack damaged a grain terminal and several residential buildings were damaged.
On 03 May, A Russian drone attack on Kyiv overnight injured nearly 11, and caused fires in several residential buildings. According to Kyiv officials, falling debris from destroyed drones ignited fires in the Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, with several cars also catching fire.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 04 May, in an interview, Putin downplayed the likelihood of deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine he said that there has been "no need" for such weapons and expressing hope that the situation will not require them. His comments come amid continued references by Russian officials to the country’s nuclear capabilities, often in reaction to increased Western military support for Ukraine, including the delivery of long-range missiles that Kyiv has used to strike targets within Russian territory. He stated that reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine is "inevitable" and merely "a matter of time.” Marking his 25 years in leadership, Putin expressed confidence that the current conflict—the largest in Europe since World War II—would not permanently damage relations with Ukraine. He also reiterated Russia’s determination to achieve its war objectives, claiming the country has the necessary strength and resources to conclude the war in favour to Moscow.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 04 May, Czech President Petr Pavel voiced support for Ukrainian Zelenskyy's call to increase pressure on Moscow for a 30-day ceasefire. He stated that Putin has the power to end the war with a single decision, though he has shown no willingness so far. The Czech Republic remains a strong supporter of Ukraine, notably leading an initiative to provide large-calibre ammunition. Zelenskyy, visiting with First Lady Olena Zelenska, is set to meet Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to discuss this initiative and broader efforts to encourage a Russian ceasefire.