In a significant diplomatic move two months ago, following discussions between Ukrainian and American leaders in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the U.S. suggested a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly endorsed the proposal, stating Ukraine’s willingness to adhere to it if Russia reciprocated.
Despite this olive branch, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the ceasefire, arguing that a temporary halt would merely serve to aid Ukraine and its Western allies in restocking their military supplies. Since the proposal, Russia has persisted with its military operations, launching attacks over the 1,000-mile-long front line while simultaneously targeting crucial civilian infrastructure. The intensified assaults include increased strikes on residential areas lacking significant military value.
Independent assessments based on Ukrainian reports have recorded tragic statistics: over 117 civilians have died, and more than 1,000 have been injured as a result of Russian airstrikes since Ukraine voiced its acceptance of the ceasefire on March 11. These casualties primarily involve long-range drone strikes and various types of missile attacks.
However, the tally excludes those injured by short-range weaponry, such as mortars and multiple rocket launch systems that Russia employs within proximity to the front line. Ukrainian officials maintain confidentiality regarding overall casualty figures and do not disclose specific numbers of military personnel lost in battle.
One of the most lethal recent assaults was a Russian missile strike on Sumy, a northeastern Ukrainian city, during a busy Palm Sunday in mid-April. The attack claimed at least 35 lives, including two children, and caused injuries to about 120 others. Another violent incident involved an explosive targeting a playground in Zelenskyy’s hometown, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals, nine of whom were children.
A separate deadly strike on Kyiv propelled vocal criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a rare rebuke directed at the Russian leader. Through a statement on his platform, Trump expressed disapproval, stating, “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”
Despite the ongoing conflict, Putin has twice proclaimed unilateral, short-lived ceasefires to observe Easter and commemorate World War II’s Victory Day, both of which were violated repeatedly. Meanwhile, Ukraine has resumed launching drone operations aimed at Russian territories. Recent Ukrainian drone sorties have disrupted Moscow’s Victory Day commemoration, leading to disturbances at the capital’s airports and affecting cellular networks due to jamming efforts attributed to deterring further attacks.
Here is an overview of significant Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians since March 11:
On March 24, a Russian missile impacted a crowded district in Sumy, demolishing 30 residential buildings and a school, leading to 101 injuries, including 23 children. A subsequent attack on April 3 saw Russian forces deploy Shahed drones over Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The assault killed five and wounded 34 more, among them an entire family, including a 12-year-old girl.
In Kryvyi Rih, on April 4, a combined missile and drone attack targeted a civilian area, striking a playground and killing 20 people, including nine children. The violence injured another 74 and damaged over 60 residential buildings. Coastal city Kharkiv was also targeted on April 18, as Russian cluster munitions killed one individual and injured 113 others, nine of whom were children.
On April 24, Kyiv faced a lengthy, intense barrage of missiles and drones, causing at least 12 fatalities and injuring 90 in what was the most severe assault on the capital since July. Throughout the operation, Russia launched 145 Shahed drones and 70 missiles country-wide. The month concluded with a major incident on April 29 where a Russian Shahed drone blitz on Kharkiv led to at least 47 injuries, including two children, and a pregnant woman.
Finally, on May 2, coordinated drone attacks across four districts of Kharkiv wounded another 47 individuals, among them was a child. The ongoing conflict highlights the enduring volatility and humanitarian toll inflicted by the relentless hostilities.