Russia Attacks Ukraine Following U.S. Ceasefire Proposal Despite Hope for Peace

Russia’s missile attacks on Ukrainian cities following U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire talks resulted in five deaths and multiple injuries. The Kremlin’s response to the proposed ceasefire indicates skepticism, as President Putin perceives it as potentially unfavorable. Despite Ukraine’s calls for peace, they reject any agreements compromising territorial integrity.

On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least five fatalities and wounding numerous individuals. The assaults ensued after Ukraine’s leadership engaged in discussions with senior United States officials regarding a potential ceasefire in Saudi Arabia, inciting some optimism for peace negotiations.

Cities affected by the missile strikes included Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy. Specifically, a bombardment in Kryvyi Rih claimed the life of a woman and injured four others, while another attack on Odesa resulted in the deaths of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian during wheat loading operations destined for Algeria.

The missile strikes utilized three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones, occurring just hours following Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon reciprocal agreement from Russia. In reciprocation, the U.S. pledged to resume security assistance and lift the pause on intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a commitment confirmed by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Although the Kremlin refrained from providing an official comment regarding the ceasefire proposal, reports suggest that President Vladimir Putin perceives it as a “trap,” making an agreement unlikely without additional assurances. Ukraine has consistently rejected any ceasefire that requires ceding territory occupied by Russia, including Crimea, annexed in 2014.

In related developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to conclude the conflict in Ukraine, albeit his remarks often suggest a sympathetic stance toward Russia. Additionally, Kremlin-aligned military bloggers circulated videos showcasing Russian soldiers raising flags in the town of Sudzha, currently occupied by Ukraine since August 2024 after a successful military incursion.

In conclusion, the recent missile strikes by Russia on various Ukrainian cities occurred amidst renewed discussions of a ceasefire, highlighting the tense and volatile nature of the conflict. Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. ceasefire proposal reflects their ongoing commitment to sovereignty, yet the Kremlin’s response indicates significant skepticism. The situation remains precarious, as both military advancements and political negotiations continue to unfold in the region.

Original Source: www.politico.eu