2025-05-04T03:56:22Z

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In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine has executed a series of what officials are calling âmass drone attacksâ on several Russian cities. This surge in military action follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyâs rejection of a proposed three-day truce offered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The truce was suggested as Russia prepares to commemorate Victory Day on May 9, an annual event that celebrates the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

According to reports from local Russian officials, the Black Sea town of Novorossiysk faced significant damage as a result of these drone strikes. The regional governor, Venyamin Kondratiev, indicated that the Ukrainian military had executed a âmass attackâ on the Black Sea coast, with apartment buildings reportedly suffering serious damage. Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media platforms reveal a concerning level of destruction, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency in the affected areas.

In the aftermath of the Novorossiysk strikes, reports surfaced indicating that at least five individuals, including two children, sustained injuries. The attack has raised alarms about the safety and security of civilians in regions affected by the ongoing conflict.

Beyond Novorossiysk, Ukrainian drones were reportedly intercepted over Crimea, a region that has been a focal point of conflict since Russiaâs annexation in 2014. Moreover, a church near Belgorod, located hundreds of miles north of the Black Sea, was also struck by a drone, suggesting a widespread operational strategy by Ukraine to target significant locations within Russia.

This wave of strikes comes on the heels of a Russian attack on Kharkiv, a major city in Ukraine, which resulted in nearly 50 injuries. The timing of these military actions indicates an intensifying cycle of retaliation between the two nations as they engage in fierce combat across various fronts.

President Zelenskyy, in response to Putinâs truce proposal, was scathing in his criticism, labeling the offer as nothing more than a âperformanceâ designed to create a facade of diplomacy. He expressed a willingness to consider a ceasefire, but emphasized that a 30-day pause would be more appropriate than the paltry three-day offer made by Russia. Zelenskyy pointed out that the Kremlin had violated a previous Easter truce over 3,000 times, further justifying his skepticism towards Putinâs intentions.

âThis is more of a theatrical performance on his part,â Zelenskyy remarked. âIn two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war. Ukraine will not be playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putinâs exit from isolation on May 9,â he asserted.

Earlier, Putin had called for a 72-hour ceasefire, intended to coincide with the arrival of various world leaders in Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations. Historically, Russia has resisted longer ceasefire arrangements, including a proposed 30-day halt put forth by the United States, leading to tensions with Washington.

In a statement, Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine would not take responsibility for security issues on Russian territory. âThey are responsible for your security, and therefore, we will not give you any guarantees,â he stated, further emphasizing Ukraine's stance in the conflict.

On the Russian side, officials have condemned Zelenskyyâs actions, claiming he is endangering the security of World War Two veterans attending celebrations. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned that Kyiv âmay not surviveâ until May 10 if attacks on Moscow continue during the commemorative events. âHe is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day,â Medvedev stated via Telegram, framing Zelenskyy's remarks as a direct threat.

The situation continues to escalate as international relations are strained. The United States recently announced its withdrawal from formal peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, urging both nations to come forward with concrete proposals to end the war. A spokesperson for the State Department, Tammy Bruce, conveyed that the U.S. will cease its previous approach of mediating negotiations and instead expects both Ukraine and Russia to independently develop substantive plans for peace. âThe time has come when they must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict,â she affirmed, indicating a shift in American foreign policy regarding the crisis.