On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile strikes across various Ukrainian cities, killing at least five people shortly after Ukraine accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal. The attacks, involving ballistic missiles and drones, were perceived by Putin as a trap, complicating the prospects for peace. Ukraine has ruled out any agreement involving cession of territory, especially Crimea, increasing tensions.
On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile attacks across various cities in Ukraine, resulting in the loss of at least five lives. This escalation occurred shortly after discussions between Ukrainian leaders and high-ranking U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, which had created hope for a potential ceasefire. Regions affected included Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, with at least 11 individuals reported injured as per local media outlets.
Specifically, two missile strikes in Kryvyi Rih resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to four others. Additionally, a night attack on the Odesa port claimed the lives of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian individual who were involved in loading a wheat shipment destined for Algeria. According to Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Community and Territorial Development, the victims’ ages ranged from 18 to 24.
The attacks, which comprised three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones, occurred mere hours after Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s reciprocal agreement. The United States pledged to lift its pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine immediately, as confirmed by Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence.
The Kremlin’s response to the ceasefire proposal was notably absent; however, sources indicated that President Vladimir Putin viewed the deal as a strategic “trap” and was unlikely to accept it given Russia’s advancements in the conflict. An anonymous source stated, “It is difficult for Putin to agree to this in its current form… Putin has a strong position because Russia is advancing.”
Ukraine has consistently refused any ceasefire that entails surrendering territory held by Russia, including the Crimean Peninsula. Furthermore, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his commitment to ending the war while maintaining a Russia-favorable perspective in his statements. A notable prior confrontation with President Zelenskyy took place in the Oval Office in late February. Additionally, Kremlin-affiliated military blogs circulated videos showcasing Russian forces raising their flags in Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region that Ukraine occupied in August 2024.
The recent missile attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, particularly in light of diplomatic discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Despite Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, Russia’s aggressive actions and perceived strategic positioning raise concerns about the feasibility of any peaceful resolution. This situation highlights the complexities and challenges involved in negotiating peace in a protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
