Russia's Defense Ministry has declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Victory Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The ceasefire is set for Friday and Saturday. The ministry warns of a massive missile strike on Kyiv if Ukrainian forces disrupt the celebrations. This announcement comes as Ukraine has been launching drone attacks deep inside Russia. The traditional military parade in Moscow will be pared down due to security concerns. Victory Day has been a key pillar of President Vladimir Putin's tenure, showcasing military might and patriotic pride.

Ukrainian forces have struck an oil terminal in the Russian Black Sea city of Tuapse, according to Ukraine's General Staff. This marks the fourth attack on the region's oil infrastructure in just over two weeks. Local officials in Russia said a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a blaze, but no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continue to hit Ukraine. On Friday, Russia attacked the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil with over 50 drones, wounding at least 10 people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia continues to target energy and civilian infrastructure with drone strikes.

Ukraine's defense minister says the country's armed forces shot down more than 33,000 Russian drones of various types in March, a record monthly figure since Moscow launched its all-out invasion more than four years ago. Meanwhile, Ukraine's domestically developed long-range attack drones struck a Russian oil refinery and terminal on the Black Sea for the third time in less than two weeks. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strikes could "cause serious environmental consequences." Ukraine has developed battle-tested drone technology that has proved essential in holding back Russia's bigger army and has drawn military interest from around the world.

Authorities in Ukraine say a Russian drone attack on Ukraine's southern city of Odesa has wounded 14 people including two children. Officials said Monday that the drones hit residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure. A Russian official said that a Ukrainian drone strike killed two people in the Russia-occupied part of Ukraine's Kherson region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has fired approximately 1,900 attack drones and other weapons at Ukraine over the past week. Ukraine intercepts more than 90% of the drones but needs more American-made Patriot air defense missiles. Ukraine for its part has been targeting Russian oil infrastructure with long-range drones and missiles.

Ukraine has completed repairs on a damaged oil pipeline and is preparing to resume flows. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the announcement Tuesday, warning that Russia might target the infrastructure again. Repairs to the Druzhba pipeline delayed approval of a major EU loan intended to support Ukraine's military and economic needs. Zelenskyy said the repairs were linked to freeing funds blocked by Hungary and Slovakia. Russian oil supplies to these countries have been halted for two months after alleged Russian drone attacks damaged the pipeline. Zelenskyy expressed reluctance to allow Russian oil to continue transiting through Ukraine. EU officials are now cautiously optimistic that the loan deal could be approved soon, ending months of political deadlock.

Russia has launched a massive aerial attack on Ukraine, targeting civilian areas with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. Officials say the assault killed at least 16 people and injured over 100. The attack, which stretched from daytime into the night, is the largest in almost two weeks. The Russian Defense Ministry claims it was in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking more air defense systems from allies. Ukraine's air force reports that air defenses shot down or disabled most of the incoming targets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country's top priority is securing help to buy and build more air defense systems. Russia continues its attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and warns that European sites that make drones and other equipment for Ukraine were "potential targets." Zelenskyy is visiting European capitals to secure military and financial support. He aims to boost air defense capabilities, including the Patriot system. Britain plans to send 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues long-range drone attacks on Russia. Defense leaders from over 50 nations are meeting online to coordinate aid for Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials say a Russian drone attack on Odesa has killed two women and a toddler. The attack heavily damaged an apartment block, with rescuers pulling four people from the rubble. Eleven people were hospitalized, including a pregnant woman and two children. Russia has targeted civilian areas in Ukraine since its invasion over four years ago, killing more than 15,000 people, says the United Nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for partner countries to provide more air defenses. Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range drones have targeted Russian oil facilities. Russia's Defense Ministry claims air defenses downed 50 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Russian strikes on Ukraine have killed at least eight people across the country. The attacks on Friday include a "massive" missile and drone strike near the capital, regional authorities reported. Ukrainian officials claimed the Kremlin is changing its tactics to increase civilian suffering. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled Kyiv's openness to a potential Easter truce. The holiday is celebrated on April 12 in both Ukraine and Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that Moscow is not interested in a temporary ceasefire.

Russia's Defense Ministry claims its forces have taken control of the entire Luhansk region in Ukraine. However, a Ukrainian military official denies this, stating that small areas are still held by Ukrainian forces. Russia has previously made false claims of advances. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing for talks with U.S. envoys trying to mediate an end to the conflict. A Russian drone strike killed four people in Ukraine's Cherkasy region on Wednesday. Ukraine's air force says it downed 298 drones in overnight attacks.