Thu May 01 18:02:48 UTC 2025: ## Ukraine Suffers Heavy Losses in Renewed Attacks as US Secures Access to Minerals
**Kyiv, Ukraine (May 2, 2025)** – A wave of intense Russian and Ukrainian attacks resulted in significant casualties on Thursday, May 1st, casting a shadow over a recently signed agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine granting American access to Ukrainian mineral resources.
According to officials, at least nine people were killed and dozens more injured in attacks across Ukraine. A Ukrainian drone strike on a market in Oleshky, in the partially occupied Kherson region, left seven dead and over 20 wounded, according to Moscow-appointed Governor Vladimir Saldo. A subsequent Russian drone strike on Odesa killed two and injured 15, targeting residential buildings, a supermarket, and a school. Further attacks included a drone strike on a petrol station in Kharkiv.
The Ukrainian air force reported repelling 74 out of 170 exploding drones and decoys launched by Russia across five regions, in addition to five ballistic missiles. President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, highlighting Russia’s disregard for a US proposal for a full ceasefire, which had been ignored for over 50 days. He noted that Ukraine had also proposed measures to protect civilian infrastructure. Russia’s Defense Ministry countered that its air defenses intercepted eight Ukrainian drones.
The backdrop to these attacks is a newly finalized agreement between the US and Ukraine granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. This deal, which could ensure continued American military aid to Ukraine, comes amid concerns over potential reductions in support if peace negotiations with Russia were to proceed.
These recent attacks follow a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin for Victory Day (May 8-10), a move dismissed by Ukraine, who called for a longer, 30-day ceasefire instead. The ongoing conflict shows no sign of abatement despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
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