Ukraine accused of escalating attacks amid US-Russia diplomatic thaw
- In early April 2025, Ukrainian military launched a large-scale drone strike targeting several regions in Russia.
- The strike over Bryansk resulted in one civilian death and damaged civilian infrastructure, prompting a response from Russian officials.
- These actions are claimed to be part of Ukraine's reaction to renewed diplomatic efforts between the US and Russia, raising concerns over rising tensions.
In light of renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Russia, Ukraine has been accused of escalating its military actions against civilian targets in Russia. A senior Russian diplomat, Rodion Miroshnik, claimed that since late March, Ukraine has significantly increased its attacks following discussions aimed at restoring relations between Moscow and Washington. During the first three months of 2025, Ukrainian forces allegedly fired over 22,000 munitions at civilian infrastructure, resulting in at least 1,489 civilian casualties, including 292 deaths and 63 injured children. In a specific incident, the Ukrainian military launched a drone strike on multiple Russian regions, with most drones intercepted over Bryansk. This attack occurred in the early hours on a Sunday and resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to others, raising concerns about the rising intensity of Ukraine's military operations. Despite a previous announcement of a 30-hour ceasefire by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the conflict has shown little sign of subsiding, with continuous attacks and counterattacks from both sides. The accusation from the Russian side suggests that Ukraine's increased hostilities might be a tactical response to ongoing diplomatic engagements with the US, indicating a broader strategy to affect perceptions and negotiations at an international level. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that more than 4,900 violations were logged during the recent ceasefire, which Ukrainians contest, asserting that Moscow has also violated terms during this period. This cycle of escalation highlights the precarious state of affairs as both sides grapple with the implications of potential diplomatic resolutions while simultaneously engaging in military confrontations. It underscores the complex interplay between diplomacy and military activity, as both nations appear to be leveraging their military capabilities in response to the evolving diplomatic landscape.