A wave of Russian drone strikes rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv this week, injuring nearly 50 civilians and casting serious doubt over Moscow’s claims of an impending ceasefire.
Nighttime Attack Leaves Dozens Wounded
Emergency crews rushed to extinguish fires and sift through the rubble after the attack, which struck residential areas while most people were asleep, reported ABC News. Medical teams worked through the night to treat the wounded, which included at least two children, according to Ukrainian officials.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike.
“Russia attacks when people are in their homes, putting their children to bed,” Zelenskyy told ABC News. He emphasized that the drones targeted homes — not military installations — highlighting the continued threat to civilians.
Zaporizhzhia Also Hit Hours Before
Just hours earlier, Russia launched another barrage, this time targeting Zaporizhzhia. That attack injured 29 people and caused widespread structural damage. The dual assaults come just ahead of Russia’s announced three-day ceasefire to commemorate its World War II victory celebrations.
Ukrainian leaders, however, view the ceasefire as nothing more than propaganda. “This so-called ceasefire is a facade,” said a senior official in Kyiv, echoing Zelenskyy’s skepticism.
Zelenskyy Demands Stronger International Action
In response to the latest wave of attacks, Zelenskyy called on the international community to impose tougher sanctions on the Kremlin.
“Russian drones continue flying over Ukrainian skies all morning,” he wrote on Telegram. “And this happens every single day. That’s why pressure on Russia is needed — strong, additional sanctions that actually work. Not just words or attempts at persuasion — only pressure can force Russia to agree to a ceasefire and end the war.”
Russia Claims Support for Ceasefire — With Conditions
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin is open to a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, but only after what he described as “a whole series of nuances” are addressed.
“President Putin supports the initiative in principle,” Peskov told the state-run Tass news agency. “But before going forward, a whole series of questions need to be answered and a whole series of nuances need to be resolved.”
War Enters Third Year with No End in Sight
As the war enters its third year, the Ukrainian government remains wary of Russian overtures that appear to lack sincerity. With drone strikes continuing daily and civilian casualties mounting, Ukrainian leaders argue that only sustained global pressure can bring about genuine peace.
For more updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.