Camilla Jessen
Russia continues its assaults despite a proposed truce.
Russia launched a new wave of attacks on Ukraine overnight, including drone and guided bomb strikes across multiple regions, just hours after the expiration of a May 12 deadline for a proposed ceasefire.
The attacks targeted Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, and Odesa oblasts using drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
Simultaneously, Moscow deployed KAB guided bombs on Sumy Oblast in northeastern Ukraine — striking well past the hour when an unconditional 30-day truce was expected to begin.
European powers, including Germany and France, had backed Ukraine’s May 10 call for the ceasefire, warning that failure to comply by the end of May 12 would lead to new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
This was reported by The Kyiv Independent.
Russia Dismisses Ceasefire as ‘Ultimatum’
While Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed ongoing Russian attacks during a London summit with European leaders, the Kremlin rejected the truce proposal, calling it an “ultimatum.”
Instead, Moscow extended an invitation to Ukraine for direct talks in Istanbul, scheduled for May 15. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted the offer, signaling openness to negotiation.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to confirm his participation.
Despite the shelling, Zelensky told reporters he was “ready to meet and discuss,” emphasizing the urgency of halting the war but not at the cost of capitulating to Russian terms.
Meanwhile, drone strikes overnight injured at least seven people, according to Ukrainian officials.
Europe Prepares Sanctions
Following Russia’s noncompliance, European countries reiterated their commitment to punishing the Kremlin.
In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom pledged to take “ambitious measures” to cut off Russia’s ability to fund the war.
These include tightening enforcement of the Oil Price Cap, blocking shadow fleet operations, and cutting down on remaining imports of Russian energy. European nations also confirmed they would continue freezing Russian sovereign assets until Moscow halts its aggression and compensates for the destruction caused.
An EU official told The Kyiv Independent that a new round of sanctions would be unveiled on May 14.
The United States, however, has adopted a more unpredictable stance.
Although President Donald Trump initially supported the ceasefire call, he soon shifted tone, urging Ukraine to attend the Istanbul talks and explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
“I even thought about flying over — I’m not sure where I’ll be on Thursday, I have so many meetings,” Trump said on May 12.