Russian Overnight Strikes Kill 27 Across Ukraine; Russia Formally Excluded from Venice Biennale

The confirmed death toll from Russia's mass overnight strikes across multiple Ukrainian cities and regions rose to 27 by May 6, making it one of the deadliest single-night bombardments of 2026. Rescue operations continued across Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Dnipro, and the Poltava-Kharkiv gas infrastructure zones. In a separate development reflecting Russia's deepening international isolation, Russia was formally excluded from the Venice Biennale international art exhibition — one of the world's most prestigious cultural events — by organizers citing the ongoing war against Ukraine. The twin developments — mass civilian casualties and cultural exclusion — underscore the continuing humanitarian toll and growing isolation of Moscow as Russia's Victory Day parade approaches on May 9.