Trump Calls for Peace — Putin Answers with Explosive Attacks on Ukraine

Russia launches deadly missile and drone attacks on Ukraine just hours after Trump calls on Putin to negotiate a ceasefire deal.

In a dramatic escalation, Russia unleashed a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine just hours after Kyiv signaled its willingness to agree to a ceasefire brokered by the United States. The strikes, which hit major cities and key infrastructure, have cast serious doubt on Vladimir Putin’s openness to peace talks following a challenge from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters, Trump had urged Putin to engage in negotiations, stating, “It takes two to tango. I hope he will agree.” However, instead of a response from the Kremlin, Ukraine was met with a night of intense bombardment, killing civilians and destroying crucial facilities.

A Ceasefire in Jeopardy?

The proposed 30-day truce, pushed by Washington, was accepted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed optimism that the move could lead to lasting peace. “We see it as a positive step and are ready to take it,” Zelensky stated. “Now, it is up to the United States to convince Russia to do the same.”

But Putin’s response came in the form of destruction. Russia’s latest assault targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. In Odesa, a missile strike hit a cargo ship bound for Africa, killing four crew members and damaging grain exports. In Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, a woman was killed when a missile struck a public trolleybus.

Meanwhile, in Dnipro, residential homes were destroyed, and a school was heavily damaged. The city of Sumy also saw massive fires erupt following a drone attack on a warehouse.

Moscow’s Hardliners Reject Peace Talks

Despite increasing international pressure, Russian officials and pro-war figures have fiercely opposed the ceasefire proposal. Hardline Russian lawmakers, military analysts, and state media personalities have dismissed the idea, arguing that any pause in fighting would only allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm.

Russian MP Lt. Gen. Viktor Sobolev called the ceasefire “unacceptable,” insisting that Ukraine would use the truce to strengthen its forces. Meanwhile, TV propagandist Olga Skabeeva questioned, “And what do we get in return?”—a sentiment echoed by many in Moscow.

World Leaders Urge Moscow to Reconsider

Western leaders welcomed Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate and urged Russia to accept the deal. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as “an important moment for peace,” while French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that “the ball is now clearly in Russia’s court.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that if Russia rejects the ceasefire, it will become clear “what the impediment is to peace.” Meanwhile, diplomatic sources hinted that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, could soon travel to Moscow to lay the groundwork for talks.

However, as Russian attacks continue, hopes for an immediate ceasefire remain uncertain. With Ukraine suffering under relentless strikes and Moscow showing no signs of backing down, the world watches anxiously to see whether diplomacy can prevail—or if the war is set to rage on.