Ukraine's Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Sabotaging Peace Talks Amid Drone Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of insincerity regarding peace negotiations, following a barrage of drone strikes that occurred just a day after both nations tentatively agreed to a maritime ceasefire subject to Moscow receiving relief from agricultural sanctions. During the latest attacks, reports indicated that Ukraine faced an onslaught of 117 drones, with Zelenskyy asserting that these strikes were a clear indication of Russia's true intentions in the ongoing conflict.
Four individuals were reported dead, and six others injured as a result of the strikes, while Ukraine's Air Force claimed to have shot down 56 of the incoming drones, deeming another 48 as decoys that caused no damage. In a post shared on X, Zelenskyy expressed his frustration, stating, "Last night there were another 117 proofs in our skies of how Russia continues to drag out this war. Launching such largescale attacks after ceasefire negotiations is a clear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace."
In response, the Russian defense ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to target Russian energy installations, including a gas storage site in occupied Crimea and electricity infrastructure in the border region of Bryansk. They alleged that such strikes by Ukraine were obstructing the agreements reached in negotiations facilitated by the U.S.
Discussions between Russian and U.S. negotiators, as well as U.S. talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, had centered on implementing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, along with a proposed 30-day halt to strikes on energy targets. However, the Kremlin insisted that any ceasefire would hinge on the U.S. facilitating Russia's agricultural exports and reconnecting its state agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the Swift payment system, which the U.S. is currently reviewing.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked on the progress of the talks, expressing satisfaction with the pragmatic and constructive nature of the dialogue. Nonetheless, this optimism has been tempered by the modest results thus far, raising uncertainties over the possibility of a full ceasefire, given the lingering distrust between Moscow and Kyiv.
Moreover, former U.S. President Donald Trump entered the discussion, previously claiming that he could resolve the conflict in just 24 hours, although he later admitted his statement was somewhat sarcastic. Trump voiced his skepticism on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin genuinely seeks a peace resolution, suggesting, "I think that Russia wants to see an end to it but it could be they're dragging their feet."
Amid these complex negotiations, Ukraine is striving to engage constructively, positioning itself to accept intermediate ceasefire proposals while shifting the focus of blame onto Russia. Conversely, it appears that Moscow's priorities are more centered on its negotiations with the U.S. regarding potential concessions, including territorial discussions, which Zelenskyy has denied taking part in directly. As both sides navigate these treacherously murky waters, the world remains watchful for any indication of a genuine shift towards peace.
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