Ukraine Under Drone Attack; Russia Resumes Hostilities Amidst Tense Ceasefire
Russia intensifies military operations against Ukraine once more
In an unexpected turn of events, Russia is reported to have resumed its drone attacks on Ukraine, marking a stark contrast to the three-day truce announced by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for World War II celebrations. Following a night filled with air alerts, the capital city of Kyiv, along with several regions such as Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, endured escalated drone assaults. Preliminary reports on damages have yet to surface. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko implored citizens to seek refuge in bomb shelters.
The ceasefire, which concluded at midnight CEST on May 11, 2025, was followed by no response from Moscow regarding a 30-day ceasefire proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European allies. Western nations had apparently threatened to impose additional sanctions on Russia if it rejected this truce.
However, Russia stayed unfazed, reiterating that it will not succumb to pressure and maintain its position against unfavorable concessions.
Avenues for Peace Talks
In response to potential ceasefire moves, Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine to address the conflict resolution. He proposed Istanbul as the summit location for these discussions, set for the upcoming Thursday—a reprisal of talks left hanging in 2022 at the onset of the war. At present, no response from Kyiv has been reported.
Putin further emphasized that Russia is willing to iron out the conflict through dialogue without preconditions. He expressed optimism, stating that the power to instill peace lies with Ukraine and its allies—the EU and the US. If they truly seek peace, Putin emphasized, they must offer support for these negotiations.
Ukraine and its allies are determined to achieve a ceasefire with the ultimate goal of negotiating a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, Russia insists on ending hostilities only after a resolution is reached through dialogue.
- Note: The escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia remains a contentious issue, with ongoing military actions and differing stances on the desired outcome. Monitoring international reports and statements by diplomats from both nations is essential to staying informed on the latest developments.
[1] Reports suggest an estimated 100 drones were dispatched into Ukraine overnight at the end of the three-day ceasefire. (Source: ntv.de, sba/dpa)
- The European Union, concern for the escalating conflict in Ukraine mounts as Russia resumes drone attacks, threatening the recently declared ceasefire.
- As Kyiv endured intense drone assaults after a brief respite, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies called for a 30-day ceasefire, as yet unanswered by Moscow.
- In a bid to address the ongoing conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine, similar to the talks that were halted in 2022 at the onset of the war; he emphasized the importance of dialogue without preconditions to achieve a peace resolution.
- Understanding that the power to impose peace lies with Ukraine and its allies, including the European Union, Putin suggested Istanbul as the location for the upcoming peace talks, set for the upcoming Thursday.
