**Ukraine Under Attack: A Look at the Devastating Consequences**
As the world waits with bated breath for a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, it’s essential to examine the devastating consequences of recent attacks on Ukrainian cities. The Kyiv Independent’s Masha Lavrova sheds light on the situation, providing context to the ongoing conflict.
**Russia’s Brutal Assault**
Overnight, Russian forces launched a series of attacks on multiple Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv. The attacks resulted in four children being seriously injured, with two in extremely serious condition. The Air Force’s report on Telegram revealed the extent of the damage.
**Casualties Mount**
Russia suffered a staggering 1,330 casualties just over the past day. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as civilians bear the brunt of the conflict. In Kyiv alone, three people were injured in a round of explosions that occurred around 5:00 a.m. local time on April 6.
**International Response**
The international community is increasingly critical of Russia’s actions. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that stripping Hungary of its voting power in the EU “is getting closer and closer.” The European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas condemned Russia’s attacks, stating, “Another reckless Russian attack struck a crowded residential area… Russia continues to destroy Ukraine, no interest in peace.”
**Ukraine Demands Action**
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for pressure on Russia to end the war. He stated, “We need to put pressure on them there — really put pressure, don’t waste time on empty talk — to end this war.” The U.S. Embassy’s response to Russia’s attack on Kryvyi Rih was deemed “unpleasantly surprising” by Zelensky.
**NATO and EU Take a Stand**
After convening in Brussels on April 3 and 4, NATO’s representatives demanded an immediate response from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire deal that the U.S. and Ukraine have already agreed to. The European Union is also taking steps to address Russia’s actions, with France’s Emmanuel Macron readying to become Europe’s point person in negotiations.
**What’s Next?**
As the world waits for a potential breakthrough in negotiations, it’s essential to examine the lessons of the past. President Donald Trump’s negotiation strategy in Afghanistan resulted in a capitulation to the Taliban and abandoning U.S. allies. Could a deal brokered by Trump be similarly disastrous for Ukraine?
Masha Lavrova’s insightful analysis explores the parallels between Trump’s Afghan campaign and the current situation in Ukraine, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com