As Russian forces launched a wave of drone attacks killing a child, President Zelensky criticizes Putin’s recently announced cease-fire as manipulative, calling for an immediate and unconditional halt to violence instead of a temporary truce.
Zelensky Rebukes Putin's Cease-Fire Offer Amid Ongoing Attacks
Zelensky Rebukes Putin's Cease-Fire Offer Amid Ongoing Attacks
Ukrainian President disputes Russia's commitment to a truce as drone strikes continue across the country.
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Russian forces unleashed a barrage of 100 attack drones across Ukraine overnight, leaving a child dead and several others injured, just hours following President Vladimir Putin's declaration of a unilateral cease-fire slated to begin on May 8. The Ukrainian government swiftly reacted with skepticism, particularly from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who branded the cease-fire announcement as "another attempt at manipulation" amidst increasing international pressure on Russia for peace.
During his evening address, Zelensky referenced prior attempts at negotiations, where Ukraine had already complied with U.S. requests for a 30-day unconditional cease-fire, only to be rebuffed by Russia. "There is no reason to wait until May 8," he emphasized, reiterating that the cease-fire must be "immediate, full, and unconditional" in order to prevent further loss of life. His call for a longer-lasting peace deal reflected profound distrust of Moscow’s intentions, particularly against the backdrop of recent military actions.
On the morning following the attacks, Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down 37 of the incoming drones, with nine intercepted in the Kyiv region, where falling debris led to injuries and property damage. Tragically, a drone strike in the Dnipro region claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl, while a 6-year-old girl and two adults sustained injuries.
The Kremlin's cease-fire announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly conveyed frustration over Russia's persistent aggression. Following discussions with Zelensky, Trump expressed doubt regarding Putin's desire for peace, suggesting that the Russian leader might view the cease-fire as a mere tactic. Such turbulent exchanges continue to fuel the uncertainty surrounding the prospects for an end to the ongoing conflict, leaving many in Ukraine fearing further violence.
During his evening address, Zelensky referenced prior attempts at negotiations, where Ukraine had already complied with U.S. requests for a 30-day unconditional cease-fire, only to be rebuffed by Russia. "There is no reason to wait until May 8," he emphasized, reiterating that the cease-fire must be "immediate, full, and unconditional" in order to prevent further loss of life. His call for a longer-lasting peace deal reflected profound distrust of Moscow’s intentions, particularly against the backdrop of recent military actions.
On the morning following the attacks, Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down 37 of the incoming drones, with nine intercepted in the Kyiv region, where falling debris led to injuries and property damage. Tragically, a drone strike in the Dnipro region claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl, while a 6-year-old girl and two adults sustained injuries.
The Kremlin's cease-fire announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly conveyed frustration over Russia's persistent aggression. Following discussions with Zelensky, Trump expressed doubt regarding Putin's desire for peace, suggesting that the Russian leader might view the cease-fire as a mere tactic. Such turbulent exchanges continue to fuel the uncertainty surrounding the prospects for an end to the ongoing conflict, leaving many in Ukraine fearing further violence.
