In a tense escalation, Russia launched a "massive" drone and missile assault on Ukrainian energy facilities last Friday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure to pave the way for peace.
Zelenskyy's call builds on a growing chorus from Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow to seek an end to the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year. He emphasized that the first steps toward lasting peace involve stopping both Russian and Ukrainian aerial and naval attacks.
"Ukraine is ready to go the way of peace, and it is Ukraine that wants peace from the very first second of this war. The task is to force Russia to stop the war," Zelenskyy wrote in a heartfelt post on social media.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched at least 58 missiles and nearly 200 drones, causing significant damage to energy facilities across the country, from Kharkiv in the east to Ternopil in the west. Firefighters are currently battling blazes and dealing with debris in the Kharkiv region, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by civilians.
In response to Zelenskyy's plea for a ceasefire, the Kremlin has firmly ruled out any temporary truce, maintaining its stance amidst international calls for peace. However, Zelenskyy's allies abroad are showing solidarity with his proposal. Notably, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who recently hosted Zelenskyy, has expressed his support for the truce.
As the conflict continues to impact millions, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring peace and stability to the region.
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Zelenskyy again urges air truce after 'massive' Russian attack
cgtn.com
