Russia’s missile attacks in Ukraine resulted in five deaths, following discussions between Kyiv and U.S. officials that raised hopes for a ceasefire. The U.S. proposed a 30-day ceasefire contingent upon Russian agreement, but Kremlin sources suggest President Putin views it as a potential trap. Ukraine firmly refuses to relinquish territories occupied by Russia.
On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile attacks across various Ukrainian cities following high-level discussions between Ukraine’s leadership and U.S. officials, which had spurred aspirations for a ceasefire. The strikes targeted regions including Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, resulting in at least five fatalities and injuries to eleven individuals, according to local media reports.
In Kryvyi Rih, two missile strikes occurred early Wednesday, resulting in one death and injuring four others. The night prior, a raid on Odesa’s port claimed the lives of three Syrian sailors along with a Ukrainian individual who were in the process of loading wheat onto a ship bound for Algeria. “The youngest of the deceased was 18, and the oldest was 24. Two others were injured — a Ukrainian and a Syrian,” reported Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Community and Territorial Development, via Telegram.
Moscow’s assault included three ballistic missiles and more than 130 drones and unfolded mere hours after Ukraine accepted a U.S. request for a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon Russia’s agreement. In exchange, the U.S. promised to resume intelligence sharing and security support for Ukraine. Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, confirmed that this support had already been reinstated as of Wednesday.
Although the Kremlin refrained from an official comment on the ceasefire proposal, sources have indicated that President Vladimir Putin perceives the agreement as a potential “trap” and is unlikely to accept it without additional assurances, especially given the current Russian military advances. A source revealed, “It is difficult for Putin to agree to this in its current form” due to his advantageous position on the battlefield.
Ukraine has firmly rejected any ceasefire terms that would involve relinquishing territories occupied by Russian forces, specifically the annexed Crimean Peninsula from 2014. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to conclude the conflict, while maintaining a stance that is often perceived as sympathetic to Russia. Furthermore, Kremlin-affiliated military bloggers disseminated footage showing Russian troops raising flags in Sudzha, a town that has been under occupation by Ukrainian forces since August 2024 after a successful incursion.
The recent missile strikes by Russia against Ukrainian cities emphasize the tenuous nature of the ongoing conflict, especially in light of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire that Ukraine accepted. With Russia’s apprehension regarding the proposal, and ongoing military advances, the situation remains fraught with tension, complicating the prospects for peace. The U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine continues, but the path to a ceasefire appears laden with obstacles.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
