KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Russian drones launched a significant nighttime attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, local authorities reported on Tuesday. This assault occurred less than 24 hours after a purported unilateral Easter ceasefire declared by Moscow ended, and just over a day before a scheduled meeting in London with Ukrainian, British, French, and U.S. officials focused on discussing the ongoing war.
The situation remains tense as anticipation builds regarding the potential for diplomatic efforts to bring an end to more than three years of conflict that has ensued since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Former President Trump mentioned last week that negotiations were "coming to a head," asserting that neither side was "playing" him in his attempts to bring about an end to the prolonged war.
Following talks that produced outlines for peace, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. might soon withdraw from negotiations altogether if meaningful progress was not achieved. This statement followed talks in Paris among U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials, which aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict.
In Odesa, the Russian drone attack was described as a "massive attack" that resulted in injuries to at least three individuals, as reported by Oleh Kiper, the head of the Odesa regional administration, on his Telegram page. The attack targeted a residential building in a densely populated urban area, along with civilian infrastructure and an educational facility.
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 54 Shahed and decoy drones against Ukraine in the overnight assault, marking a resurgence of long-range attacks that have consistently targeted civilian areas during the conflict. The International Institute for Strategic Studies noted a significant increase in the use of Shahed drones by Russia in recent months, as the country enhances its production capabilities and refines its tactical approaches.
Following Putin's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire on Saturday, Ukraine expressed its willingness to reciprocate. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Russia had violated the ceasefire more than 2,900 times. The Associated Press reported that it was unable to independently verify the status of the ceasefire along the extensive 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line.
Russia has effectively dismissed a U.S. proposal for an immediate and comprehensive 30-day halt to hostilities, instead imposing a set of stringent conditions. Concurrently, both Russian and Ukrainian forces are making preparations for a military campaign anticipated in the spring and summer months, as indicated by officials from Ukraine and the West.
To follow ongoing coverage of the Ukraine war, visit https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
Illia Novikov, The Associated Press
