Kyiv is grappling with a surge in Russian drone strikes targeting civilian areas, even as Moscow proposes a temporary ceasefire. Ukrainian authorities reported a deadly overnight attack that claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl in the Dnipropetrovsk region, highlighting the ongoing human cost of the conflict.

The proposed ceasefire, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been met with skepticism in Kyiv, especially given the continued attacks. The situation remains tense as both sides trade accusations and prepare for further conflict.

The Toll of the Attacks

• Dnipropetrovsk Region: A 12-year-old girl was killed, and three others, including a six-year-old, were wounded in attacks that damaged homes.
• Kharkiv: Officials reported that Russia launched 20 drones and 31 guided bombs at Kharkiv, ukraine’s second-largest city.
• Kyiv: Debris from an intercepted Russian drone caused a fire in a neighborhood of the capital.

Conversely, Russia’s defense ministry claimed its forces destroyed 91 Ukrainian drones overnight, underscoring the intensity of the aerial conflict.

Ceasefire Announcement and Rejection

Putin’s announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire from May 8-10, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World war II, has been largely dismissed by Ukrainian officials. This unilateral declaration comes as Moscow effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for a 30-day cessation of hostilities by imposing what are considered to be unrealistic conditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had accepted the U.S. plan, emphasizing the need for a guaranteed and secure truce.

US Involvement and Skepticism

Kyiv is heavily reliant on U.S. military aid to defend against Russia,especially amid concerns that Europe may not be able to fully compensate should Washington reduce its support. Former U.S. President Donald trump has expressed a desire to end the war but voiced doubts about Putin’s sincerity in negotiating a peace deal, citing the ongoing attacks.

Russia has consistently rejected everything and continues to manipulate the world, trying to deceive the United States.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

Ukrainian officials have openly criticized Putin’s ceasefire announcement, viewing it as a deceptive tactic. Andrii Yermak,the head of Ukraine’s presidential office,stated that Russia continues its offensive operations despite the proposed truce.

Putin can give the order for his forces to stop but he does not do this in the hope of deceiving everyone.
Andrii Yermak, Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office

Zelenskyy accused putin of attempting to mislead the U.S.,reiterating the need for an immediate,full,and unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days. kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov countered that Ukraine had not responded appropriately to Putin’s initiative and accused Kyiv officials of manipulation.

I would say that not giving a direct response to such an initiative by President Putin is, rather, a manipulation.
Dmitry Peskov, kremlin Spokesman

Past attempts at ceasefires, such as the 30-hour easter truce, have failed, with both sides accusing each othre of violations. Putin has previously conditioned a full ceasefire on the cessation of Western arms supplies to Kyiv and Ukraine’s demobilization, demands that Ukraine has rejected.