Russia Escalates Attacks on Ukraine Following U.S. Ceasefire Proposal
Russia launched missile attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least five deaths and numerous injuries. This occurred shortly after Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. ceasefire proposal, contingent upon a similar agreement from Russia. Despite this, skepticism from the Kremlin suggests that the likelihood of a ceasefire remains low, especially with Russia’s ongoing military advancements.
On March 12, 2025, Russia executed missile strikes against various Ukrainian cities following diplomatic discussions that hinted at a possible ceasefire. These attacks impacted the regions of Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, resulting in at least five fatalities and a minimum of eleven injuries as reported by local media.
Among the assaults, two missile attacks in Kryvyi Rih claimed the life of one woman and left four others wounded. In a separate incident at Odesa port, a nighttime strike led to the deaths of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian worker who were engaging in loading wheat headed for Algeria.
The Russian military’s offensive involved the launch of three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones, occurring shortly after Ukraine showed willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States, contingent upon a similar agreement from Russia. In exchange, the U.S. indicated it would resume intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine.
Despite the proposal, there has been no formal response from the Kremlin. It has been reported that President Vladimir Putin perceives the ceasefire deal as a potential trap, thus revealing skepticism regarding the arrangement without additional assurances. Furthermore, Ukraine firmly opposes any ceasefire that might involve territorial concessions, especially concerning the Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russian control since 2014.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to conclude the conflict in Ukraine while maintaining a sympathetic stance towards Russia during discussions about the war, especially during a contentious exchange with President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office in February.
Additionally, Russian military-affiliated bloggers have disseminated videos depicting their forces hoisting flags in Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region that has been under Ukrainian occupation since August 2024 after a successful incursion.
The recent missile strikes by Russia on Ukrainian cities mark a troubling escalation amid tentative conversations about a ceasefire. With significant casualties reported and the Kremlin expressing skepticism towards the ceasefire proposal, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. As Ukraine continues to reject territorial compromises, the path forward appears fraught with challenges as the U.S. navigates its role in providing support for Ukraine.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
