Russia’s missile strikes on Ukrainian cities resulted in five deaths shortly after Ukraine accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal. The attacks targeted various regions, using ballistic missiles and drones, while Russia considers the ceasefire deal a “trap.” U.S. President Trump remains involved in discussions regarding the conflict.
On March 12, 2025, Russia launched missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least five fatalities and significant injuries. This assault followed discussions between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia, which had raised hopes for a potential ceasefire. Affected regions included Odessa, Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Sumy, as reported by local media.
In Kryvyi Rih, missile strikes claimed the life of one woman and injured four others. Additionally, a nighttime attack on Odesa’s port led to the deaths of three Syrian sailors and one Ukrainian, who were in the process of loading wheat for shipment to Algeria. Ukrainian Minister Oleksiy Kuleba noted that the victims were aged between 18 and 24 years.
These attacks utilized three ballistic missiles and over 130 drones and occurred just after Ukraine had tentatively accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire contingent upon a similar agreement from Russia. In response, the U.S. pledged to resume intelligence sharing and security assistance, as confirmed by Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence.
Despite the U.S.’s initiatives, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly regards the ceasefire proposal as a potential “trap” and is hesitant to agree without better assurances, especially with Russia reportedly gaining ground on the battlefield. A source indicated, “It is difficult for Putin to agree to this in its current form.”
Ukraine has consistently rejected any ceasefire that would require surrendering occupied territories, including Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to conclude the conflict and has shown a tendency to align with Russian perspectives, notably after a contentious conversation with President Zelenskyy in February.
In related developments, Kremlin-affiliated military bloggers circulated videos showcasing Russian troops hoisting their flags in Sudzha, a Ukrainian town occupied by Russia since August 2024 following successful military actions.
The recent missile attacks by Russia on Ukraine occurred amidst fragile hopes for a ceasefire following U.S.-Ukrainian negotiations. As casualty figures mount, the Kremlin’s reluctance to engage with the ceasefire proposal reveals ongoing tensions. Furthermore, the geopolitical implications of U.S. involvement and the territorial integrity stance upheld by Ukraine continue to complicate an already precarious situation. These developments showcase the complexities surrounding the conflict and the challenges in achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
