Russia Continues Strikes on Ukraine While Expressing Readiness for Peace Talks

Despite ongoing military offensives across Ukraine, Russian officials have reiterated their willingness to engage in peace negotiations. This juxtaposition of continued aggression and diplomatic overtures has drawn international scrutiny and raised questions about Moscow's intentions.​

In the early hours of 25 April, a Russian drone strike targeted the city of Pavlohrad in southeastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of three civilians, including a child and a 76-year-old woman. Ten others sustained injuries in the attack. This incident followed a significant assault on Kyiv on 24 April, where missile and drone strikes killed at least 12 people and injured over 90, marking one of the deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, asserting that they undermine ongoing peace efforts. He emphasized Ukraine's stance that any peace agreement must respect the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.​

Amidst the escalation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow is "ready to reach a deal" to end the conflict in Ukraine. In an interview with CBS News, Lavrov expressed optimism about the direction of talks and acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts in facilitating negotiations.

President Trump, in a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, urged an immediate cessation of attacks. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!" .​

The Trump administration has been actively involved in mediating peace talks, with special envoy Steve Witkoff scheduled to travel to Moscow for further discussions. However, the proposed peace plan, which reportedly includes U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and Ukraine's exclusion from NATO, has been met with resistance from Ukrainian officials .​

The prospect of territorial concessions has sparked debate within Ukraine. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko suggested that temporarily ceding land to Russia might be a necessary compromise for peace. "It's not fair. But for peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution," Klitschko stated in an interview with the BBC. However, this view was challenged by Serhiy Leshchenko, an adviser to President Zelenskyy, who emphasized that any discussion of territorial concessions violates the Ukrainian constitution and undermines the nation's sovereignty.

Image: The Kremlin

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