Here’s an expanded news feature based on the provided CNN copy, focusing on the U.S. angle and incorporating the requested elements:
Russia Strikes Kyiv After Trump Accuses Zelensky of Harming Peace talks
WASHINGTON – A barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv early Thursday, leaving at least nine dead and more than 70 wounded, according to Ukrainian emergency services. The assault, impacting 13 locations across the capital and surrounding regions, including residential areas and critical infrastructure, prompted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cut short a visit to South Africa and return home.
The strikes followed a fresh round of verbal sparring between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky, adding another layer of complexity to already strained international efforts to broker a ceasefire.
“It is extremely notable that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine would promptly contact its international partners regarding its requests to strengthen air defenses. “The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally.”
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched 70 missiles and 145 drones toward the country, primarily targeting Kyiv. Interior minister Ihor Klymenko reported that eight regions were struck in a “massive combined Russian attack,” including Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytsky, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Five ballistic missiles reportedly penetrated Ukrainian defenses. Rescue efforts are underway, complex by reports of civilians trapped under rubble, including at least two children in the Sviatoshyn district. At least 42 people, including six children, have been hospitalized.
The attacks occurred after trump criticized Zelensky’s stance on the future of Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. This spat adds to growing unease in Washington regarding the trajectory of the conflict and U.S. involvement.
Trump,on Wednesday,stated Zelensky’s position was “very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia.” He further asserted on his Truth Social platform, “it’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about!” These comments echo earlier remarks by Vice President JD Vance, who, during a recent visit to India, suggested that the U.S. might “walk away” from negotiations if both Russia and Ukraine did not accept a “very explicit proposal.”
these statements have fueled debate within the U.S. about the country’s commitment to Ukraine and the feasibility of a negotiated settlement. Critics argue that Trump’s remarks embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and undermine Ukraine’s negotiating position. They point to the long-standing U.S. policy of not recognizing territorial changes achieved through force, a principle seemingly challenged by hints of accepting Russian control over Crimea.
Such a move would “reverse a decade of US policy and could upset the widely held post-World War II consensus that international borders should not be changed by force,” highlighting the sensitive geopolitical implications. Zelensky has “repeatedly said Ukraine would not accept that, saying it would go against the country’s constitution.”
The impact of these developments on potential ceasefire talks is significant. Earlier, ministerial talks between Ukraine, the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany, aimed at furthering work toward a ceasefire, were downgraded after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio withdrew. “Emotions have run high today,” Zelensky said on X Wednesday as the day’s developments threw fresh uncertainty over the diplomatic efforts to end the war. The Trump governance’s middle East envoy steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow on Friday for discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.The move signals continued back-channel diplomacy despite official statements.
Despite the apparent deadlock at the highest levels, some analysts believe that a negotiated solution is still possible, focusing on practical steps like establishing humanitarian corridors and securing a phased withdrawal of troops from contested territories. The counterargument is that Russia’s continued aggression and apparent disregard for civilian lives make any meaningful negotiation unfeasible without significant concessions from Ukraine, which are politically untenable.
FAQ: U.S. Policy and the Ukraine Conflict
Q: What is the official U.S. policy regarding Crimea?
A: The official U.S. policy, for the last decade, has been to refuse to recognize the legitimacy of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Q: What are the potential consequences of the U.S. altering its stance on Crimea?
A: Altering the U.S. stance could legitimize territorial gains achieved through aggression, potentially emboldening other nations to pursue similar actions and undermining international law.
Q: What specific proposals have been presented to Ukraine and Russia for a ceasefire?
A: While the specifics of the proposals have not been publicly disclosed,Vice President Vance indicated a “very explicit proposal” has been put forward,requiring a clear response from both sides.
Q: What role is the U.S. currently playing in ceasefire negotiations?
A: The U.S. has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, though participation has fluctuated, evidenced by the recent downgrading of ministerial talks and the planned visit of Steve Witkoff to Moscow.
Q: How is the U.S. public currently viewing involvement in the ukraine war?
A: Recent polls suggest a divided U.S. public, with increasing scrutiny of long-term financial aid and growing debate about conditions for a negotiated peace.
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