Russia fired dozens of drones at Ukraine in nighttime attacks, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday, disregarding a unilateral ceasefire announced by Kyiv that began at midnight.

"I think that the matter is coming to an end," Putin told reporters of the Russia-Ukraine war, Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Usually known for it’s dazzling display of heavy military equipment, this year looked very different, with no military hardware on show at all – the first time in nearly two decades.