Russia launches deadly airstrike; Pressure on Kyiv is growing

Russia launches deadly airstrike; Pressure on Kyiv is growing

KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine is reporting a new wave of deadly Russian airstrikes that have come after the end of an Easter ceasefire. This comes at a time when Kyiv is expected to respond to a peace proposal from the United States.

Attacks in southern Ukraine

The head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, said at least three people were killed and several others injured in the attacks in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson.

Explosions in Mykolaiv

Explosions were also reported in the nearby port city of Mykolaiv on Monday morning. Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said on Telegram: “Explosions were heard.” It was initially unclear whether there were any injuries or damage, and air warnings were issued for several eastern Ukrainian regions.

Injured in Donbass

In the east, in the Donetsk region, at least four people were injured, according to Vadym Filashkin, the head of the regional military administration. These attacks came just hours after the Easter ceasefire offered by President Vladimir Putin expired, with both sides accusing each other of violating it.

US peace proposal in focus

The unexpected ceasefire followed a new U.S. proposal, which has so far remained fruitless, that was discussed in high-level talks in Paris on a peace treaty between Ukraine and Russia. According to a source familiar with the framework, the proposal includes that the Trump administration would be willing to recognize Russian control over Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.

Critical concerns about Crimea

Crimea in southern Ukraine has been under Russian occupation since its illegal annexation, and any recognition of Moscow's control over the peninsula would reverse about a decade of U.S. policy.

Ceasefire and progress

The US proposal, which was also sent to Moscow, would also call for a ceasefire along the front lines of the conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Friday that the US was prepared to "move forward" within days if tangible progress is not made. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Russia and Ukraine would "hopefully" reach an agreement this week, but gave no details about the possible agreement.

The position of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled his willingness to agree to a peace deal with Moscow but stressed that his government will not recognize any occupied territories as Russian, which he called a "red line."

So far there has been no comment from Kyiv or Moscow on the US proposal. Further talks between US, Ukrainian and European representatives are planned in London this week.