On March 12, 2025, Russia attacked multiple Ukrainian cities following Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. ceasefire proposal. The attacks resulted in fatalities and injuries, particularly in Kryvyi Rih and Odesa. Russia views the ceasefire as a “trap,” complicating potential resolutions. Ukraine remains firm on territorial integrity, while the humanitarian crisis deepens.

On March 12, 2025, Russia launched a missile assault on various Ukrainian cities shortly after discussions between Kyiv’s leaders and senior United States officials in Saudi Arabia regarding a potential ceasefire. This attack targeted regions including Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, leading to at least five fatalities and numerous injuries, as reported by local media.

Ukrainian media revealed that missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to four other individuals. In a separate incident on the previous night, an assault on Odesa port resulted in the deaths of three Syrian sailors and a Ukrainian who were loading wheat onto a ship bound for Algeria. Ukrainian Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported that the deceased ranged from 18 to 24 years of age.

The missile strikes, involving three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones, occurred shortly after Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s compliance. The United States pledged to lift a pause in intelligence sharing and to resume security support to Ukraine immediately following this agreement.

While the Kremlin has not publicly commented on the ceasefire proposal, sources indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin views it as a possible “trap” and is unlikely to agree without further assurances, especially as Russian forces are currently making gains in the conflict. Reports suggest concerns about the negotiation’s feasibility under the current circumstances.

Ukraine has consistently rejected any ceasefire terms that would require territorial concessions, including territories such as the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to conclude the conflict, yet has conveyed a sympathetic stance toward Russia at times.

Additionally, Russian military bloggers disseminated videos depicting soldiers erecting flags in the town of Sudzha, located in the Kursk region, which was captured by Ukrainian forces in August 2024 during a successful military incursion.

In conclusion, Russia’s missile strikes on Ukrainian cities occurred shortly after Ukraine agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, highlighting ongoing tensions. The humanitarian impact is significant, with casualties reported. The Kremlin’s reluctance to engage with the ceasefire terms reveals the complexities and challenges inherent in negotiating peace, especially regarding territorial integrity. Both Ukraine’s steadfastness on its sovereign rights and Russia’s military advancements continue to shape the unfolding conflict.

Original Source: www.politico.eu

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