Russia Rejects Ceasefire, Launches Drone Assault on Ukraine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia launched a major drone attack on Ukraine after rejecting a 30-day ceasefire proposal. President Zelenskyy invited Putin to meet in Turkey for direct peace talks, which Russia has not yet acknowledged. Western leaders warn of more sanctions as hopes for diplomacy remain fragile.
Russia Drone Assault After Ceasefire Rejection – Quick Looks
- Over 100 drones launched by Russia overnight targeting Ukraine.
- Ceasefire proposal by U.S. and Europe rejected by Kremlin.
- Zelenskyy challenges Putin to peace talks in Turkey.
- France backs truce-first diplomacy, warns of new sanctions.
- Kyiv residents express cautious optimism and fatigue.
- Pope Leo XIV supports peace efforts, speaks to Zelenskyy.
- Vatican may assist in retrieving deported Ukrainian children.
Russia Rejects Ceasefire, Launches Drone Assault on Ukraine
Deep Look
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia intensified its assault on Ukraine overnight, deploying over 100 Shahed and decoy drones, according to the Ukrainian air force. The strikes followed the Kremlin’s outright dismissal of a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire, further complicating efforts to end the ongoing war now in its fourth year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aiming to jumpstart negotiations, publicly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a one-on-one meeting in Turkey. However, the Kremlin has yet to respond to the invitation.
Meanwhile, global diplomatic efforts are ramping up. Leaders from the United States and Europe had jointly proposed a ceasefire as a precondition for peace negotiations. The Kremlin rejected the truce but expressed readiness for direct talks scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul, sidestepping the Western condition that fighting first come to a halt.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to accept Russia’s offer of talks without the ceasefire, a stance that runs counter to the position held by European leaders. On Sunday, Zelenskyy doubled down, directly appealing to Putin for a personal summit. By Monday, France added its voice to the diplomatic push. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated the European stance: no talks without a truce. He also warned that Russia’s refusal to cooperate could prompt fresh sanctions.
The tension on the political stage reflects a broader fatigue among Ukrainians. In Kyiv, civilians reacted with a blend of skepticism and faint optimism. “Putin doesn’t want peace because it would mean he’s lost,” said Antonina Metko, 43. “That’s why it’s being delayed.”
Others, like 72-year-old Vladyslav Nehrybetskyi, saw a glimmer of hope. “Maybe peace is starting to grow, even if it’s a tough road ahead.”
The Ukrainian government is pressing forward with diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to peace in a Telegram message, urging Russia to reciprocate. He also revealed that he had spoken to newly appointed Pope Leo XIV about the situation. In their first conversation, Zelenskyy invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine and asked for Vatican support in retrieving thousands of Ukrainian children allegedly deported by Russia.
During his first Sunday blessing as pope, Leo XIV voiced support for Ukraine, calling for a “genuine and just peace” and expressing solidarity with the nation’s suffering population.
This isn’t the first time Zelenskyy has tried to engage Putin directly. In 2022, amid escalating violence, he repeatedly called for personal negotiations but was continually rebuffed. Eventually, Ukraine issued a decree stating that peace talks with Putin were no longer viable. The two leaders have only met once, back in 2019.
President Trump has acknowledged the difficulty in negotiating peace, citing a “deep hatred” between the parties that continues to obstruct meaningful dialogue.
As the war grinds on, diplomatic channels remain open but fragile. Both sides face increasing pressure—from their own populations and the international community—to halt hostilities and seek a sustainable resolution.
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