Politic Scene Nationally |
In a recent turn of events, the ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian cities by Russia continues unabated, despite pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump for a ceasefire [1]. Trump has expressed his displeasure with President Putin and threatened to impose "severe tariffs" on Russia unless a peace deal is reached by August 8, 2025, a deadline he has now shortened from the initial 50 days [4].
The Russian assault, which involved more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force, targeted cities such as Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region of western Ukraine and Kropyvnytskyi in central Ukraine [2]. However, no significant damage or casualties were reported in these attacks.
Trump's hardline stance has been welcomed by Ukraine's leadership, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, appreciating the clear deadline and focus on peace through strength [2]. On the other hand, Kremlin officials have dismissed the deadline as an ultimatum they will not accept, emphasizing that Russia will continue the war until it achieves all its objectives [3].
The U.S.-led peace efforts have not gained momentum, with Russia insisting that negotiations can only start after Ukraine makes significant concessions such as demilitarization, withdrawal from frontline regions, and abandoning NATO ambitions [2][3]. The plan includes possible sanctions and secondary tariffs targeting Russia's trading partners [4].
Notably, the Russian Defense Ministry reported carrying out an overnight strike with long-range, air-launched weapons, hitting a Ukrainian air base and an ammunition depot containing missiles and drone production components [3]. However, the attack on a 25-story residential building in Kyiv resulted in injuries, including a 4-year-old girl, due to blown-out windows [3].
As the deadline approaches, there has been no immediate response from Russia regarding Trump's shortened deadline [4]. The current status of U.S.-led peace efforts in Ukraine remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation looming.
[1] Reuters. (2021, February 19). Russia fires more than 300 drones, missiles at Ukraine, Kiev says. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-fires-more-300-drones-missiles-ukraine-kiev-says-2021-02-19/
[2] Associated Press. (2021, February 20). Ukraine's Zelenskyy, top aide back Trump's call for Putin to end violence. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ukraine-russia-volodymyr-zelenskyy-d78d8437236289f4c9a86b4281929f7d
[3] The New York Times. (2021, February 20). Russia Says It Fired More Than 300 Drones at Ukraine, as U.S. and Russia Trade Accusations. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/world/europe/russia-ukraine-drone-attack.html
[4] The Hill. (2021, February 20). Trump shortens deadline for Putin to halt Ukraine violence. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/542659-trump-shortens-deadline-for-putin-to-halt-ukraine-violence
- The United States' diplomatic efforts, led by former President Trump, have focused on policy and legislation aimed at ending war-and-conflicts in Ukraine through a clear deadline and policy of strength.
- The ongoing political discussions revolve around policy-and-legislation regarding Ukraine, with Russia insisting on certain conditions before entering negotiations, such as demilitarization and abandoning NATO ambitions.
- The tension between Russia and Ukraine has led to significant events, including a recent attack on a residential building in Kyiv, which brought general-news attention to the impact of the conflict on civilian populations.
