Russia Continues Ukraine Attacks, Ignores Ceasefire, Blocks Direct Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Russia continues its attacks and has not responded to Ukraine's proposal for direct talks in Turkey, despite U.S. support for the meeting. Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, emphasized Russia's rejection of a full ceasefire starting May 12, accusing Moscow of prolonging the war while ignoring peace offers. Analysts and experts argue that Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct negotiations is a strategic smokescreen intended to continue the conflict and maintain the initiative without engaging in genuine peace talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed Ukraine for the failure of peace negotiations, insisting that military operations will continue unless Western arms shipments to Kyiv cease, a claim rejected by Ukrainian diplomats who affirm their readiness for talks. Western leaders and analysts warn that Putin aims to undermine Western unity and use ultimatums or force to pressure Ukraine and its allies, with the conflict likely to persist through the fall without a credible ceasefire. Overall, Ukraine appears committed to diplomacy backed by Western support, while Russia remains skeptical and continues military aggression under a guise of negotiating, stalling any real progress toward peace.