Zelenskyy slams Russia's 'utter cynicism' as strikes kill 5 in Ukraine before brief truce takes hold

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of "utter cynicism" after Russian missile and drone strikes killed five people and injured 37 at Naftogaz gas production facilities in Ukraine.

Naftogaz said the overnight attack hit facilities in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions. The company said its infrastructure was damaged and production losses were recorded. Reuters and AP later confirmed the casualty count and the strike on gas facilities.

Zelenskyy said it was cynical for Moscow to call for a ceasefire while continuing missile and drone attacks. Russia had announced a short truce tied to Victory Day commemorations on May 8 and 9.

Naftogaz said three of the dead were its employees and two were rescuers. The attack adds to pressure on Ukraine's energy system at a time when frontline and infrastructure strikes remain a regular feature of the war.

For now, the key question is whether the announced truce will hold or whether the latest strikes are a sign that fighting will continue despite Moscow's pledge.