**Russia’s Drone Activity Causes Airport Closures, German Chancellor Plans Visit to Ukraine**
The situation in the region has taken a turn for the worse as repeated drone activity prompted renewed temporary airport closures across the area. The heightened alert measures were triggered by Russia launching 187 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones and five Iskander-M ballistic missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
**Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Propaganda Tool**
The disruption comes just days before Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, one of the country’s largest public events and a key propaganda tool for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The so-called “humanitarian” truce will run from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11, but experts have questioned the legitimacy of the ceasefire, warning that it lacks mutually agreed terms or monitoring mechanisms.
**Germany’s Efforts to Promote Long-Term Ceasefire**
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to visit Ukraine soon as part of efforts to promote a long-term ceasefire with Russia. Speaking during a visit to Paris, Merz said the trip is currently being coordinated and emphasized that the European Union must do “everything possible” to help secure a lasting cessation of hostilities beyond the upcoming weekend.
**Russian Ceasefire Initiatives**
This is not the first time Russia has announced a ceasefire initiative. In April, Russia declared a ceasefire over the Easter holiday, but Ukraine accused Moscow of nearly 3,000 violations between April 19 and April 21. A partial truce on attacks against energy facilities brokered on March 25 was also repeatedly breached by Russian forces.
**Ukraine’s Dismissal of Russia’s Ceasefire**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the latest ceasefire initiative as a “theatrical performance” meant to reduce Russia’s international isolation. Experts have also questioned the legitimacy of the ceasefire, warning that it lacks mutually agreed terms or monitoring mechanisms.
**Background and Context**
Russia has repeatedly proclaimed its supposed readiness for peace talks while simultaneously pushing for maximalist demands. Kyiv has dismissed these declarations as a propaganda stunt, noting that Russian forces have only intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns. Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire more than 50 days ago, but Moscow rejected the offer, demanding a halt to Western military aid to Ukraine.
**Azerbaijani and Laotian Leaders Skip Victory Day Parade**
Meanwhile, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and Laotian leader Thongloun Sisoulith will not attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.
