United Nations, May 6 : The United Nations welcomes the unilateral ceasefires announced respectively by Ukraine and Russia, said a UN spokesperson.

"We welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Ukraine, to begin on the night of 5 to 6 May, as well as the one by the Russian Federation, to take place over 8 and 9 May," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday (local time).

The secretary-general looks forward to their successful implementation, and reiterates his call for a full, immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire, leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, Dujarric told a daily press briefing.

Russia's Defence Ministry on Monday declared a Victory Day ceasefire on May 8-9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday night that Ukraine will start a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, on the same day, Ukrainian officials reported that at least 17 people were killed and 52 others injured on Tuesday in separate Russian aerial attacks on two Ukrainian cities.

In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, guided aerial bombs struck several enterprises, killing 12 people and wounding 39 others, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov wrote on Telegram.

The strikes also caused fires and damaged private houses, a vehicle service station and a car wash.

In the eastern city of Kramatorsk, three high-explosive aerial bombs hit the central district, killing at least five people and injuring 13 others, according to regional Governor Vadym Filashkin.

Four administrative buildings and several apartment blocks and vehicles were damaged in the attack, Filashkin wrote on Telegram, adding that the exact number of victims was being established.

/IANS