Following a missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine, that injured dozens, accusations against Russia's commitment to peace have intensified.
Russia's Peace Efforts Questioned as New Attacks Hit Ukraine
Russia's Peace Efforts Questioned as New Attacks Hit Ukraine
Ukraine's Foreign Minister condemns Russian aggression amid ongoing peace negotiations in Riyadh.
In the latest turn of events amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Russia of making "hollow statements about peace" while simultaneously conducting missile attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure in Sumy. The strike on Ukraine's northern city injured at least 65 individuals, including 14 children, raising concerns about Russia's true intentions in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Officials noted that the attack struck a children’s facility and a hospital, prompting Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to criticize Moscow for attempting to perpetuate terror amid peace discussions. "The international community must increase the pressure on Russia to stop the aggression," he emphasized on X.
The incident in Sumy occurred while negotiators from the U.S. and Russia met in Riyadh to discuss a potential pause in hostilities. Key issues under consideration include the revival of a 2022 grain deal intended to allow safe exports from Ukraine without facing Russian attacks. In exchange, Russia is reportedly seeking alleviation from Western sanctions on its fertilizer exports.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of disputing compliance with a recently established 30-day ceasefire agreement. Russian state media claimed that Ukraine had carried out a drone attack on a Russian oil facility, with the Russian Defense Ministry stating that they intercepted 227 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Despite the ongoing discussions facilitated by U.S. mediators, fighting continues along the front lines. President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about achieving “real progress” during negotiations, which followed meetings in Riyadh.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov remarked on the productive nature of the meetings, focusing on key discussions regarding energy and the aim to secure "a just and lasting peace" for both Ukraine and the wider European context. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the challenging negotiations ahead, indicating that a resolution may still be far from reach.
As the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues, both nations remain at odds, with Russia currently occupying about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Officials noted that the attack struck a children’s facility and a hospital, prompting Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to criticize Moscow for attempting to perpetuate terror amid peace discussions. "The international community must increase the pressure on Russia to stop the aggression," he emphasized on X.
The incident in Sumy occurred while negotiators from the U.S. and Russia met in Riyadh to discuss a potential pause in hostilities. Key issues under consideration include the revival of a 2022 grain deal intended to allow safe exports from Ukraine without facing Russian attacks. In exchange, Russia is reportedly seeking alleviation from Western sanctions on its fertilizer exports.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of disputing compliance with a recently established 30-day ceasefire agreement. Russian state media claimed that Ukraine had carried out a drone attack on a Russian oil facility, with the Russian Defense Ministry stating that they intercepted 227 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Despite the ongoing discussions facilitated by U.S. mediators, fighting continues along the front lines. President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about achieving “real progress” during negotiations, which followed meetings in Riyadh.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov remarked on the productive nature of the meetings, focusing on key discussions regarding energy and the aim to secure "a just and lasting peace" for both Ukraine and the wider European context. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the challenging negotiations ahead, indicating that a resolution may still be far from reach.
As the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues, both nations remain at odds, with Russia currently occupying about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
