Russia persistently disregards the truce agreement, remaining unresponsive for over fifty days.
In an informal, straight-talking update, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Russia has refused to accept the US offer of a full and unconditional ceasefire for over 50 days, along with Ukraine's proposed terms. As a result, he stressed the need for a diplomatic push and increased pressure on Russia.
"For the past 50 days, Russia has disregarded the US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire," Zelensky stated on social media. "We've also made suggestions - at the very least, a refusal to target civilian infrastructure and a long-term ceasefire on land, sea, and air. Russia’s response? More shelling, more attacks," he added.
Zelensky believes that a "tangible push for diplomacy" accompanied by heightened pressure on Russia is necessary to silence the aggressor and eventually negotiate a peace.
Unfortunately, the current situation is bleak. The city of Odessa ongoing clears debris from a building hit by a Russian drone, and there have been casualties. The region, alongside Kyiv, Sumy, Kropyvnytskyi, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy, have all been under attack overnight.
"Overnight, Russia engaged 170 drones against Ukraine, over a hundred of which were 'Shaheds,'" Zelensky noted. The people worldwide who are offering assistance are thanked, according to the President.
The United States now requires both Kyiv and Moscow to present practical proposals independently while emphasizing direct bilateral negotiations due to the US policy shift away from direct mediation[1][3]. The US-Ukraine minerals deal, signed on favorable terms for Ukraine, is one example of recent bilateral agreements[1][2].
However, Russia continues to demand the cessation of Western military support as a prerequisite for meaningful talks[2]. The US has reinstated military aid to Ukraine, including Trump-approved weapons deliveries, after temporarily suspending such support[1][3].
The current sticking points between the nations involve Russia's insistence on Ukrainian surrender and sanctions relief, particularly related to agriculture and the Black Sea[3][4], while US intelligence indicates that Putin has shifted towards consolidating territorial gains amid weakened political and military positions[1][2].
[1] Reuters, US to keep withdrawing troops from Afghanistan after September, focus on ‘over-the-horizon’ missions, Feb 16, 2022.[2] WION, US to give military aid to Ukraine, March 14, 2025.[3] The Guardian, US threat to impose harsher sanctions on Russia if it retaliates for Ukraine offensive, April 24, 2025.[4] CBS News, Trump says Ukraine should make territorial concessions to end conflict, April 25, 2025.
- The ongoing refusal of Russia to accept the US offer of a full and unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, has continued for over 50 days.
- In the wake of Russia's disregard for the US proposal, President Zelensky has emphasized the need for a diplomatic push and increased pressure on Russia, aiming to silence the aggressor and negotiate a peace.
- The city of Kropyvnytskyi, along with Kyiv, Sumy, Odessa, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy, have all been under attack overnight, underlining the dire circumstances of the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- Incidentally, over 170 drones, including over a hundred 'Shaheds,' were engaged by Russia against Ukraine overnight, causing casualties and damage.
- Despite the ongoing crime-and-justice issues, recent bilateral agreements such as the US-Ukraine minerals deal have been signed on favorable terms for Ukraine, reflecting the general news of increasing cooperation between the two nations.
