Russia Strikes Ukraine After Kyiv Offers Fresh Talk
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media during a press briefing after his phone talks with the US president, in Kyiv, on May 19, 2025, amid the Russian invasion on Ukraine. The United States has agreed to "tightly coordinate" Ukraine talks with European partners following a call between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the German government said on May 19. Immediately after his conversation with Putin, Trump held a second call with Ukrainian PresidentIn a stark escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a series of drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian territory in the early hours of Monday, targeting residential areas and public infrastructure in the capital, Kyiv.
The strikes, which hit multiple apartment buildings and a nursery, come just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly called for renewed peace negotiations in a bid to end the protracted war.
Emergency services reported multiple injuries, with search and rescue operations continuing amid the rubble.Ukrainian authorities condemned the attack as a “deliberate assault on civilians” and a “clear rejection of peace overtures.” President Zelensky reiterated his appeal to the international community to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to halt the violence.
“While we extend our hand for peace, Russia responds with missiles. This is not just an attack on Ukraine, it’s an attack on any effort for dialogue and resolution,” Zelensky said in a televised address following the attack.The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response regarding the timing of the strikes in relation to Ukraine’s peace proposal.
Global leaders have reacted with concern, calling for restraint and a renewed commitment to negotiations. The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the rising tensions and the humanitarian implications of the latest attack.
