It came as Russia fired missiles into Kyiv during a massive airstrike Thursday, killing at least 21 people. As this attack highlights, hostilities are far from over. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears focused on avoiding a genuine effort at making peace. The timing of the strikes, observers warn, is key. They warn that Moscow is attempting to distract from its brutal military onslaught against Ukraine, which continues today.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked on the situation, stating, “the time meant for preparing a leaders’-level meeting to organise new massive attacks.” This assertion underscores the sense that Russia is using diplomatic negotiations as a smokescreen while escalating its military campaign.
Beyond the fatal missile attacks in Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv and many other areas were recently targeted in a wave of daily bombardments. One of the residential buildings, a five-storey unit in Zaporizhzhia, was killed that day, injuring 24 civilians as well. In addition, early Saturday morning the Dnipropetrovsk region came under what Ukrainian officials were calling a “massive attack.”
The war has dealt an enormous blow to Ukraine’s infrastructure and economic activity. Experts believe that total reconstruction will total at least €506 billion (£438 billion) during the next ten years. The growing financing gap for such widespread recovery efforts is a continuing concern to the Ukrainian government these days.
European Union foreign ministers meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, were to coordinate new steps to force Moscow return to negotiations. At this meeting, they discussed possibilities for a new round of sanctions, like import bans and tariffs. Among other things, the ministers tackled the controversial question of tapping Russia’s frozen assets to cover some of Ukraine’s reconstruction costs.
Everyone can agree on it: Putin is clearly trying to buy time. He’s running interference for the comprehensive and vicious assault on Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen underscored the need for a united and strong reaction to Russia’s aggressive behavior. He said, “He should not win – the only language that he understands is the language of tough pressure.”
In particular, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas responded decisively to the mounting violence and destruction from the war. She further underscored the immediate need for reparations. “One thing is clear: given the devastation Russia has caused and is causing, it is unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine for damages caused.”
The EU and its member states are full-throttle in supporting diplomatic initiatives. They want to see justice done and bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. As airstrikes kill more civilians and hospitals, schools, and homes continue to be destroyed, the need for meaningful action becomes more imperative than ever.