Russia’s Renewed Attacks on Ukraine Following Ceasefire Proposal Talks

On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile strikes on Ukraine, killing at least five following potential ceasefire discussions with the U.S. Ukraine has shown willingness to negotiate a thirty-day ceasefire, but the Kremlin’s response remains cautious, viewing the proposal as a potential trap. The ongoing conflict continues to reflect deep territorial disputes and complicated international relations.

On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile attacks across several Ukrainian cities following discussions between Ukrainian officials and American representatives regarding a potential ceasefire. The strikes resulted in the death of at least five individuals and caused injuries to over eleven others. Key regions affected included Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, according to local media sources.

Particularly devastating were missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih, which claimed one life and injured four individuals. Another attack in Odesa port tragically took the lives of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian national, who were preparing to ship wheat to Algeria. The Minister of Community and Territorial Development, Oleksiy Kuleba, noted that the victims were aged between 18 and 24, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives in this conflict.

These assaults, comprising three ballistic missile launches and over 130 drones, occurred mere hours after Ukraine expressed its willingness to accept a U.S. proposal for an immediate thirty-day ceasefire, contingent upon a similar commitment from Russia. In exchange, the U.S. would resume intelligence sharing and support for Ukraine. Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, affirmed that these actions had already commenced.

However, the Kremlin has not offered an official response to the ceasefire proposal. Sources indicate that President Putin perceives the agreement as a potential “trap” and is hesitant to accept without concrete guarantees. Reports suggest that Putin’s administration is currently making territorial advances, which complicates their willingness to agree to a ceasefire under current terms.

Ukraine has consistently opposed any ceasefire arrangement that demands them to cede territory under Russian occupation, particularly the Crimean Peninsula, seized in 2014. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has professed his commitment to ending the conflict, although his remarks have occasionally favored a pro-Russian stance, leading to tensions with President Zelenskyy during a prior Oval Office meeting.

In related developments, Kremlin-affiliated military bloggers circulated videos depicting Russian soldiers raising their flags in Sudzha, a town that has been under Ukrainian control since a successful military incursion in August 2024.

In conclusion, the recent missile attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities occurred shortly after discussions of a potential ceasefire, resulting in tragic casualties. While Ukraine has expressed willingness to negotiate, skepticism from the Kremlin suggests continued hostilities may prevail, particularly considering ongoing territorial advances. The complex dynamics of international support and local opposition highlight the multifaceted nature of this ongoing conflict.

Original Source: www.politico.eu