Zelensky Urges Ceasefire After Deadly Drone Strike, Plans Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly rejected US-backed peace proposals that include recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and requiring Ukraine to renounce its NATO ambitions. Zelensky insists that conceding Crimea violates Ukraine's constitution and sovereignty, affirming there is 'nothing to talk about' regarding such terms. The proposed settlement, reportedly discussed among Western officials, would also establish a demilitarized zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant but lacks clear US security guarantees for Ukraine's future. Zelensky maintains that Russia, as the aggressor, cannot dictate security arrangements and argues that any concessions by Ukraine should be met with reciprocal actions from Russia. European officials remain wary, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin may exploit such compromises to further his own demands. Amid ongoing violence, including a deadly Russian drone strike on a civilian bus in Dnipropetrovsk, Zelensky continues to call for global attention to the use of drone warfare against civilians and reiterates Ukraine's openness to genuine partnerships that respect its sovereignty.