Russia ‘Driving Its Soldiers to Their Deaths’ in Push Toward Dnipropetrovsk Region – Syrsky

Russian troops are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses and reach the administrative border of the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrsky.

In a Facebook post, he said that despite Moscow’s statements about a ceasefire for the May holidays, Russian forces have sharply escalated hostilities, concentrating their main efforts in the Pokrovsk sector.

Syrsky said that although there is no tactical or operational advantage in these actions, Russian forces continue to attack.

“They stubbornly try to break through our defenses in this direction and reach the administrative border,” he wrote.

“To this end, the Russian command throws new units into battle daily, drives its soldiers to their deaths, and reports on illusory successes and victories,” he added.

Syrsky said he had met with field commanders and made decisions to boost supplies of ammunition, drones, electronic warfare systems, and reserves. He placed special emphasis on increasing the use of unmanned strike systems.

Despite constant assaults, Syrsky said Russian forces continue to suffer losses and retreat, while Ukrainian fire is targeting the entire depth of enemy formations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, saying it was “impossible without resolving all the nuances,” according to The Moscow Times.

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Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andrii Melnyk, urged the United Nations to suspend Russian personnel from peacekeeping and police missions after Russia’s armed forces were listed for conflict-related sexual violence. He cited a UN report confirming 310 cases involving Russian armed and security structures, and said Moscow’s inclusion in two UN mechanisms – on children in armed conflict and sexual violence – should not remain symbolic.

Moscow has instead proposed a unilateral ceasefire from May 8-10 for Victory Day celebrations, calling it a “gesture of goodwill.” However, it warned of an “adequate response” if the truce is violated.

Zelensky responded by saying the ceasefire should begin immediately, not just for “Putin’s parade.”

“We value people’s lives, not parades,” he said. “That’s why we – and the world – believe there is no reason to wait until May 8.”

Despite this, Peskov claimed the Kremlin “has not heard any reaction,” and said it was unclear whether Kyiv would join.

In April, Russia declared an “Easter ceasefire,”  although it continued sporadic attacks on the front line. During the relative pause, Zelensky had proposed a full 30-day truce, including a halt to missile and drone strikes on civilian targets – again, without official response from Moscow.

Mandatory evacuation of families with children began on April 25 in several villages of the Mezhova community, Dnipropetrovsk region, following an order from regional governor Serhiy Lysak.

The villages – Kolona Mezhova, Novopidhorodne, Raipole, and Sukhareva Balka – are located just dozens of kilometers from the Donetsk front line and are frequently targeted by missile and drone attacks.