Russia launched a massive overnight drone attack on Mykolaiv, a key Ukrainian port city with access to the Black Sea. At the same time, waves of drones struck Kryvyi Rih, marking the most intense assault on the city since the war began. Explosions rocked both areas, destroying infrastructure and leaving civilians in fear. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, calling it a direct escalation of the conflict.
Just hours earlier, the United States had negotiated separate ceasefire agreements with Russia and Ukraine. The deal aimed to prevent attacks in the Black Sea and stop strikes on energy facilities. However, Russia’s latest assault immediately raised doubts about its willingness to follow through. Instead of easing tensions, the strikes signaled Moscow’s determination to continue military pressure.
Meanwhile, under the truce, Washington agreed to push for lifting certain sanctions on Russia. In return, Moscow had to halt energy-related attacks and reduce naval aggression. But now, Russian leaders insist that their banks must regain full access to global financial networks before they fully comply. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected these demands, accusing Russia of using negotiations to gain an advantage while keeping military pressure on Ukraine. Many defense experts share his concerns, warning that Moscow could be using this time to reposition its forces.
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Furthermore, former NATO commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon warned that Russia might stall negotiations to strengthen its battlefield positions. Similarly, ex-Major General Chip Chapman argued that the ceasefire benefits Russia more than Ukraine by allowing Moscow to solidify territorial control. Without strict enforcement, many fear Russia will continue testing boundaries until it faces stronger resistance.
For now, uncertainty looms over the situation. While diplomats push for peace, Ukrainian cities remain in danger. The latest drone attack proves that Russia still holds the upper hand, and the world watches closely to see whether this ceasefire can survive or crumble under renewed violence.
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