Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces an extraordinarily delicate political and military line to walk as the standoff between Ukraine and Russia heats up. In recent weeks, deadly attacks have killed at least four soldiers. In answer, the nation’s leadership are contending with the effects of war as they engage in international diplomatic talks in Istanbul. Both sides are intensifying their military offensives. Meanwhile, Ukraine states that they have hit more than 40 of Russia’s warplanes.
Perhaps it was this kind of daring that prompted Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of Ukraine’s land forces, to announce something remarkable. He stepped down, saying he felt deeply responsible for the lives lost in a recent Russian missile strike that killed at least 12 troops. Drapatyi said that his announcement is an intentional provocation. He carries the heavy weight of personal responsibility for the tragedy at the 239th training ground that cost the lives of our soldiers. His resignation highlights the high price that the current war has taken on Ukraine’s military leadership.
Overnight, Ukraine reported that Russia kicked off this latest escalation with a series of attacks on Ukrainian territory, firing 80 drones and four missiles. Notably, two ballistic missiles struck a residential neighborhood in Kharkiv, causing alarm among civilians and leaving many fearful for their safety. Violence engulfed other areas, too. In Kherson, three people were killed and at least 19 more were injured by continued shelling and air strikes. At the same time, a drone attack in Sumy recently injured at least six people, including two children.
Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol, the capital of Zaporizhzhia, announced the horrific news. Five more died in settlements around the city as a result of Russian artillery fire. The unending shelling has intensified the humanitarian catastrophe, causing alarm even among parts of Ukraine’s government.
Military violence is intensifying. Counteracting Ukraine’s delegation, headed by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, has flown to Istanbul as part of one of several essential talks between Ukraine and Russian officials. This meeting comes on the heels of one of the most serious military confrontations between both sides in the last few days. Among the members of the Ukrainian delegation are Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya and member Oleksandr Bevz.
Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine’s foreign ministry, suggested that the delegations worked out their positions before the negotiations even began. The two sides worked out positions prior to today’s meeting of Ukrainian and Russian government delegations. Participants of the Ukrainian delegation reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace efforts, “Tykhyi said.
President Zelenskyy has made the case for an immediate ceasefire as a condition of any potential peace talks a priority topic. He continued, saying “First –- a full and unconditional ceasefire. Second –- the release of prisoners. Third -– the return of abducted children.” This is indicative of his continued effort to place humanitarian needs at the center of our response to the ongoing conflict.
Even as these talks continue, Zelenskyy is continuing to be mindful of the ticking clock and the need to urgently build Ukraine’s defensive abilities. He emphasized, “We cannot afford to have all our fighting men at the front…to defend Ukraine.” His comments underscore the desperate situation Ukrainian forces find themselves in as they continue to fight a far more powerful and aggressive Russian military.
Even as diplomatic talks play out in Istanbul, President Zelenskyy has voiced doubt about Russia’s commitment to negotiations. He specifically commented on Russia’s longstanding failure to approach negotiations in good faith. It is not the first strike of this nature when Ukraine has been on the losing end of personnel. I have convened an emergency meeting to discuss this,” he said. His actions complement his words, demonstrating a strong commitment to both military readiness and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution.