What happened on the day of May 8th. The main thing

Drones (UAVs) The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) hit the building of the air navigation center in Rostov-on-Don. As a result, the work of 13 airports in the south of the country was completely paralyzed. The time restrictions affected the air ports of Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik and other cities. Later, by 16:00 Moscow time, air traffic was partially restored. Other main events of the day are in the Izvestia digest.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces violated the truce more than 1.6 thousand times.

Despite the ceasefire regime announced by Russia in honor of Victory Day, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued to strike at the territory of the Russian Federation. According to the Ministry of Defense, 1,630 violations were recorded at 12:00 Moscow time. From midnight to 9:25 a.m. Moscow time, 390 UAVs and six Neptune missiles were shot down outside the special operation zone. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Kiev's strikes on civilian infrastructure a manifestation of terrorism. The Russian army responded to the attacks in a mirror manner.

Attacks on the Rostov region and other regions

A state of emergency has been introduced in the Zheleznodorozhny district of Rostov-on-Don due to drone attacks. In the village of Chaltyr, Myasnikovsky district, which was affected by the attack, 50 private houses and three cars were damaged, and an emergency mode was also introduced there. In total, about 60 buildings were damaged. There are no fatalities. In Bryansk, 231 apartments and more than 40 cars were damaged. In addition, drone strikes were recorded in Yaroslavl, the Belgorod Region, and the Perm Region.

Medinsky was sentenced in absentia in Ukraine to 10 years in prison

A court in Kiev has sentenced Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky in absentia to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. A similar verdict was handed down to MGIMO Rector Anatoly Torkunov. The formal reason was the creation of the textbook "History. The history of Russia. 1945 is the beginning of the 21st century."

The Immortal Regiment campaign was held in Geneva

A commemorative action "Immortal Regiment" dedicated to the celebration of Victory Day took place in Geneva, Switzerland. The participants gathered in front of the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) — they came with photos of their ancestors who participated in the Great Patriotic War. Ukrainians wrapped in yellow and blue flags tried to disrupt the rally.

Large-scale forest fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant

A large forest fire broke out in the exclusion zone of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Due to strong gusts of wind, the flame is spreading rapidly, the total fire area exceeds 1100 hectares. The situation was complicated by the dry weather and the danger of mines in the territory. The Ministry of Forestry of Belarus has assured that there is no threat of fire spreading to the republic.

Volgograd was renamed Stalingrad in honor of Victory Day.

On the eve of the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Victory, the Volgograd authorities decided to temporarily return the city to its historical name Stalingrad. The Volgograd road signs have been replaced with Stalingrad signs at all major entrances. The temporary renaming will be valid for the entire period of the festive events.

Lukashenko and Fico arrive in Moscow on Victory Day

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has arrived in Moscow on a working visit. He will take part in the celebration of Victory Day on May 9, and will also hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin — the leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation. In addition, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has arrived in the Russian capital - he will also be at the Victory Day Parade. The Teraz portal suggested that he would give Putin a message from Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky.