Russia Launches Missile Attacks on Ukraine After Ceasefire Proposal
On March 12, 2025, Russia bombarded multiple Ukrainian cities after discussions for a ceasefire. The attacks resulted in casualties, including fatalities in Kryvyi Rih and Odesa. Despite Ukraine accepting a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, President Putin is skeptical about the arrangement, perceiving it as a trap. Ukraine insists on retaining control over all territories, including Crimea.
On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile attacks on several Ukrainian cities following discussions between Kyiv officials and U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia, which had sparked optimism for a potential ceasefire. The offensive targeted the regions of Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, resulting in at least five fatalities and a minimum of eleven injuries, according to local news sources.
In Kryvyi Rih, two missile strikes occurred on Wednesday morning, claiming one woman’s life and injuring four individuals. Additionally, an attack on Odesa’s port on Tuesday night killed three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian who were assisting with the loading of wheat onto a ship destined for Algeria. Ukrainian Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported that the ages of the deceased ranged from 18 to 24 years, with two other individuals injured during the incident.
The assaults involved three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones, coinciding with Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on reciprocal action from Russia. In exchange, the U.S. pledged to resume intelligence sharing and security support to Ukraine, with Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, affirming that action had already begun.
Despite Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, President Vladimir Putin is perceived as viewing the proposal with skepticism, considering it a potential trap amid Russia’s continued military advancements. An anonymous source relayed to Reuters that due to the current dynamics on the battlefield, it would be challenging for Putin to agree to the ceasefire under its existing conditions.
Ukraine remains firm in its stance against any ceasefire that would relinquish territories held by Russia, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to end the war, exhibiting a tendency towards a favorable view of Russia, marking a notable divergence in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
In parallel developments, military bloggers associated with the Kremlin disseminated videos showing Russian troops raising flags in Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region, which Ukraine had occupied since August 2024 following a successful military engagement.
The ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified following missile attacks on Ukrainian cities shortly after a proposed ceasefire was discussed. The Kremlin’s skepticism about the ceasefire reflects a challenging situation amid ongoing advances in the battlefield, while Ukraine remains committed to its territorial integrity. This dynamic continues to complicate international diplomatic relations and highlights the urgency of a resolution in the conflict.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
