Russia Launches Attacks on Ukraine Amid Ceasefire Negotiations With U.S.
Russia attacked multiple Ukrainian cities following discussions of a ceasefire, resulting in at least five deaths and more than eleven injuries. The offensive occurred soon after Ukraine accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire contingent upon Russia’s agreement. Sources suggest that Putin perceives the proposal as risky, complicating negotiations.
On March 12, 2025, Russia launched a missile attack on several Ukrainian cities, including Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, and Kharkiv, following discussions between Ukrainian officials and the United States regarding a ceasefire. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and left over eleven injured, based on local media reports. The missiles targeted various regions, causing significant casualties and damage to civilian areas.
Particularly, two missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih early Wednesday led to one fatality and four injuries. Additionally, a separate attack on Odesa port the previous night resulted in the deaths of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian national who were involved in loading wheat onto a ship destined for Algeria, as reported by Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Community and Territorial Development.
The bombardment involved three ballistic missiles and more than 130 drones, occurring shortly after Ukraine agreed to a proposal from the U.S. for a 30-day ceasefire contingent upon Russia’s compliance. In exchange, the United States pledged to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance, a move confirmed by Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence.
Despite this offer of a ceasefire, the Kremlin has not officially responded. Sources indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin views the proposal as a potential trap, expressing reluctance to agree without additional assurances, primarily due to the current Russian advancements on the battlefield. Ukraine adamantly maintains that any ceasefire agreement must uphold its territorial integrity, including the return of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
In related developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine, although his comments have often reflected a supportive stance towards Russia. Furthermore, Kremlin-affiliated military bloggers have circulated videos of Russian soldiers raising flags in the town of Sudzha, an area occupied by Ukraine since August 2024 after a successful military incursion.
The recent escalation of violence initiated by Russia demonstrates the fragility of peace negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite discussions for a ceasefire, the Kremlin’s military actions reveal a reluctance to de-escalate, particularly as it advances on the battlefield. Furthermore, Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to compromise on territorial integrity complicates the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
