KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for deliberately rejecting a ceasefire, following a series of deadly attacks that have left Ukraine reeling with grief.
On Saturday, Zelenskyy confirmed that 16 people, including six children, were killed in Kryvyi Rih after a Russian missile strike hit residential areas. In a separate attack, five civilians were killed in Kharkiv, after Russian forces launched a targeted drone strike using six Shahed drones. At least 34 people were injured in total.
Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy wrote,
“Rescue operations are currently underway in Kryvyi Rih. As of now, 16 people are confirmed dead, including six children. In Kharkiv, rescue efforts continued all day… Sadly, five people were killed. Thirty-four were injured. My condolences to all the families and loved ones.”
Energy Facilities Targeted Again
Zelenskyy also revealed that Russia targeted Ukraine’s Kherson thermal power plant with a First Person View (FPV) drone, adding to the growing list of strikes on energy infrastructure.
“These strikes cannot be accidental. The Russians know exactly what they’re hitting… Every Russian promise ends with missiles or drones, bombs or artillery,” he said.
Ceasefire Repeatedly Rejected by Russia
In a powerful statement, Zelenskyy stressed that a ceasefire could already be in place, but Putin has repeatedly refused, continuing to escalate the war.
“It is Putin who rejects it, it is Moscow that has refused a ceasefire since March 11. They want this war. And it’s obvious that Russia won’t be forced into peace just by talks or expectations.”
He called for increased international pressure on Russia to hold it accountable for its actions.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy
Amid the rising tension, it was revealed that from March 23 to 25, the United States hosted expert-level discussions with Russia and Ukraine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The talks aimed to address:
- Security in the Black Sea
- Protection of commercial maritime routes
- Safeguarding energy infrastructure
- Diplomatic efforts toward a durable peace
These meetings followed high-level discussions involving both President Donald Trump and leaders of Russia and Ukraine.
