Mon May 12 09:27:26 UTC 2025: ## Russian Drone Barrage Hits Ukraine Despite Ceasefire Call
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – A wave of Russian drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine has unfolded despite calls from Western allies for a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine’s air force reported repelling 55 out of 108 drones launched overnight, with attacks causing damage to residential buildings, railway infrastructure, and injuring at least one civilian and a train driver.
The attacks, which began Sunday night, directly contradict a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire put forward by France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom during a visit to Kyiv on Saturday. The proposal, backed by the United States, called for a 30-day truce to facilitate peace talks.
Ukraine’s national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, condemned the continued attacks, stating that ceasefire proposals are being “ignored.”
While Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, he did not directly address the ceasefire call, instead criticizing “ultimatums” and “anti-Russian rhetoric.” He indicated a possible ceasefire might be discussed during these talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to meet Putin in Turkey, contingent on Russia agreeing to the proposed truce first. This stance contrasts with former US President Donald Trump’s call for Ukraine to immediately accept Putin’s offer of direct talks.
European leaders expressed skepticism towards Putin’s offer, with French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting it was a tactic to “buy time.” Meanwhile, European ministers are meeting in the UK for talks on further sanctions against Russia and bolstering support for Ukraine. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the existential threat posed by Russian aggression to the entirety of Europe.
First Piper 