Russia’s Missile Assault on Ukraine Follows U.S. Ceasefire Proposal

Russia executed missile attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities, killing five and wounding eleven, after Ukraine accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal. Moscow’s offensive raised doubts about Russian compliance, with President Putin viewing the proposal as a potential trap. Tensions persist as Ukraine maintains its position against conceding any occupied territories.

On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least five fatalities and eleven injuries, according to local media. The strikes occurred shortly after discussions between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia suggested a potential ceasefire, raising hopes for peace negotiations. Hard-hit areas included Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy.

Ukrainian sources detailed two missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih that killed one woman and injured four individuals. Additionally, an attack on the Odesa port claimed the lives of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian during cargo operations for wheat directed to Algeria. Ukrainian Minister Oleksiy Kuleba mentioned that the civilian ship was directly affected, emphasizing the recent tragedies associated with the ongoing conflict.

The missile and drone assault, featuring three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones, coincided with Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. proposed immediate 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon Russia’s agreement. Following the agreement, the U.S. pledged to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, as confirmed by Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence.

In the wake of the ceasefire proposal, President Putin reportedly views the agreement as a strategic “trap,” complicating prospects for acceptance and maintaining a strong battlefield position. Sources indicated that Putin’s reluctance stems from his perception of military advancement in the region, posing significant challenges to negotiation efforts.

Ukraine has consistently rejected any ceasefire terms that require relinquishing territories occupied by Russia, notably Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. In related developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to resolve the conflict, yet his remarks often reflect a pro-Russia sentiment, which has provoked tensions with President Zelenskyy in past discussions.

Furthermore, Kremlin-aligned military bloggers circulated videos showcasing Russian soldiers hoisting flags in Sudzha, a town reclaimed from Ukrainian forces since August 2024 following a successful incursion, accentuating ongoing military dynamics in the region.

In summary, Russia’s recent missile strikes on Ukraine illustrate the continuing escalation of conflict shortly after potential peace discussions. The U.S. ceasefire proposal, while signaling diplomatic intent, has met resistance from the Kremlin, as President Putin perceives it as a strategic trap. Ukraine’s firm stance against conceding territory underscores the complexities surrounding ceasefire negotiations, further complicated by fluctuating dynamics in military engagements.

Original Source: www.politico.eu