Fri Jun 20 03:26:48 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article suitable for a broad audience, keeping the Indian perspective in mind, as suggested by the prompt’s introductory text:
**Summary:**
The article reports on the escalating conflict in Ukraine, focusing on a recent deadly Russian missile attack on a Kyiv apartment building that killed 28 people. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the attack as evidence that Russia rejects a ceasefire and called for increased international pressure. Despite U.S.-led peace efforts, Russian President Putin has set conditions for a ceasefire that Ukraine and its allies find unacceptable. The article also highlights a prisoner exchange, Ukraine’s acceptance of a US ceasefire proposal, and continued Russian attacks using drones. The piece underscores the widening gap between both sides, amid global attention shifting to other issues like Middle East tensions and US trade tariffs.
**News Article:**
**Kyiv Apartment Strike Fuels Calls for Ceasefire as Ukraine Conflict Intensifies**
**Kyiv, Ukraine – June 20, 2025** – A deadly Russian missile attack on a residential building in Kyiv has claimed the lives of 28 people, prompting renewed calls for a ceasefire and increased international pressure on Moscow. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted a nine-story apartment building in the capital, leaving scores injured and sparking outrage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“This attack is a stark reminder that Russia is unwilling to de-escalate,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the need for Ukraine’s allies to hold Russia accountable. The incident underscores the challenges facing ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts, which have so far failed to gain traction.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to negotiate but has set preconditions, including a halt to Ukraine’s mobilization efforts and Western arms supplies, which have been rejected by Kyiv and its partners.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the front lines, with both sides engaged in heavy fighting. A recent prisoner exchange brought some hope, with both Ukraine and Russia repatriating soldiers. However, Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of escalating attacks while claiming to be open to peace talks.
“It has been 100 days since Ukraine unconditionally accepted the U.S. peace proposal to completely cease fire,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, accusing Russia of “escalating terror against Ukraine.”
The conflict continues to strain global relations, with attention diverted by other pressing issues such as the ongoing situation in the Middle East and new trade tariffs imposed by the US. As the war drags on, the international community is increasingly urged to find a diplomatic resolution to prevent further loss of life and instability.
First Piper 