Asger Risom
Despite hinting at negotiations, Moscow strikes residential neighborhoods in southern Ukraine
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In a striking turn of tone, Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced openness to bilateral peace talks with Ukraine, marking the first such signal in years. But even as these remarks aired on Russian state television, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on civilian areas in the southern port city of Odessa.
The attack, which occurred overnight, targeted a densely populated residential district, igniting fires and damaging multiple apartment blocks.
“The enemy struck a residential area in a densely populated part of Odessa,” wrote Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov on Telegram, alongside photos showing buildings engulfed in flames and windows shattered by the blasts.
Words vs. War
Speaking to state media, Putin stated, “We’ve always said we are open to any peace initiative. We hope the representatives of the Kyiv regime feel the same.”
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His remarks came despite prior demands that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy be replaced before any talks could begin.
Zelenskyy, in his nightly video address, reiterated Ukraine’s stance: “Ukraine maintains its proposal to avoid striking civilian targets.
And we await a clear response from Moscow. We are prepared for any discussion on how to achieve this.”
Odesa Under Fire
According to regional governor Oleh Kiper, the drone assault damaged residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, a school, and numerous vehicles. Emergency services responded swiftly, but officials are still determining the full extent of casualties.
The Odessa region—home to three key ports—has been a frequent target throughout Russia’s more than three-year war on Ukraine. This latest strike underscores the persistent danger civilians face, even as diplomatic language reemerges.
Meanwhile, Russian forces reportedly retook the St. Nicholas Belogorsky Monastery in Russia’s Kursk region, once under Ukrainian control following a cross-border incursion last year.
As reported by HotNews.ro, the contrast between Putin’s rhetoric and Russia’s military actions casts doubt on the sincerity of Moscow’s newfound willingness to negotiate.
