Condemning the ongoing Russian strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday confirmed that at least 16 people, including six children, were killed in Kryvyi Rih following a targeted drone attack. Meanwhile, he offered his condolences, stating, “A deliberate attack by six ‘Shahed’ drones. Sadly, five people were killed. Thirty-four were injured. My condolences to all the families and loved ones. In Kherson – another targeted strike by a Russian FPV drone hit an energy facility – the Kherson thermal power plant.
Zelenskyy Hits Out At Russia
At the same time, Zelenskyy hit out at Russia, stating the drone strikes cannot be ‘accidental’ and that they know what exactly they are doing. “They know these are energy facilities that should be protected from attacks under what Russia itself promised to the American side,” he added. He accused the rival country, alleging that their every promise ends with missiles, drones, bombs, or artillery.
Ukranian President Accuses Putin Of Rejecting Ceasefire
On the ceasefire, the Ukranian President said that an agreement could not be reached because President Vladimir Putin keeps rejecting it repeatedly. He emphasized, “It is Moscow that has refused a ceasefire since March 11.” Meanwhile, he noted that sufficient pressure is needed on the country to make them realize the consequences of every lie, strike, and more. Additionally, he mentioned that Russia wouldn’t be forced into peace just by talks or expectations as they want war.
Why Putin Is Rejecting Ceasefire?
Experts suggest that Putin is probably rejecting a complete ceasefire due to several “issues” that needed ironing out. These include ‘continued pressure on Ukraine’, ‘lack of trust in negotiations’ and ‘strategic military goals.’ The Russian President does not want warn-torn Ukraine to strengthen its military base in the long run. Additionally, it wants to assert control over key territories of Ukraine and a ceasefire could be seen as a sign of weakness and diplomatic pressure.
‘We Count On America, On…,’ Says Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy further expressed that he is grateful to all those in the world who have put effort to restore peace. “We count on America, on Europe, on other partners – we count on their ability to put pressure on the sole cause of this war: Russia’s desire to destroy and kill,” he said. Meanwhile, the United States held high-level bilateral discussions with Russian and Ukranian delegations between March 23 to 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the expert-level talks were primarily focused on issues like enhancing security in the Black Sea, broader diplomatic efforts, safeguarding commercial maritime activity, and more.
Background On Drone Attack On Ukraine
On Thursday, April 3, an overnight Russian drone strike killed many and injured several people in Ukranian regions of Zaporizhia and Kharkiv. According to Kyiv’s air force, Russia launched as many as 39 drones towards the war-torn country, out of which 28 were shot down. Additionally, in a separate drone attack on Rushi Tyshky, one person was injured.
