In a stunning contradiction that sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced direct peace talks with Ukraine set to take place in Istanbul—only to follow up within hours by unleashing a torrent of drone attacks across Ukrainian cities. The strikes, which occurred late Saturday night into Sunday morning, targeted major urban centers including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Donetsk, and Mykolaiv, causing extensive damage, civilian casualties, and further eroding international trust in Moscow’s intentions.
While the world had begun to cautiously embrace the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough, the drone blitz painted a far grimmer picture, casting doubts on the sincerity of Putin’s offer for peace. The juxtaposition of these two actions—proposing peace while simultaneously escalating the war—has been met with outrage and confusion from global leaders and citizens alike.
The attack comes at a critical juncture in the nearly three-year-long conflict, with both sides suffering heavy losses and international pressure mounting for a negotiated settlement. However, Putin’s sudden aggression seems to suggest that the Kremlin is using peace talks not as a genuine path to diplomacy, but rather as a strategic maneuver to manipulate public perception and weaken Ukraine’s bargaining position.
A Timeline of Contradiction: Peace Talks and Air Raids
Peace Proposal Emerges from Moscow
On May 11, 2025, Vladimir Putin took the world by surprise when he publicly proposed direct peace negotiations with Ukraine, to be hosted in Istanbul on May 15. In an official statement broadcast on state media, the Russian president claimed that the talks would take place “without preconditions,” sparking a glimmer of hope among war-weary populations and diplomatic observers. The announcement was swiftly picked up by international media, and many leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, labeled it a “potentially great day” for diplomacy.
However, analysts were quick to note the vagueness of Russia’s proposal. There were no clear parameters for the talks, no mention of withdrawing troops, halting hostilities, or even acknowledging Ukraine’s demands. Still, the world waited to see if this could be a turning point.
The Immediate Drone Assault on Ukrainian Cities
Just hours after the peace announcement, a very different message was delivered from the skies over Ukraine. Between 2 AM and 6 AM local time, waves of Russian Shahed and Lancet drones struck multiple urban areas in a synchronized aerial assault. Sirens blared across Kyiv as anti-air defenses scrambled to intercept the drones, with partial success. Despite these efforts, several drones penetrated the defenses, causing fires, power outages, and fatalities.
Zhytomyr, a city that had largely been spared in recent months, witnessed its worst attack since the early days of the war. Infrastructure including hospitals, residential buildings, and communication centers were hit. Donetsk, already a contested and war-torn region, saw further destruction in what Ukrainian officials described as “a deliberate attempt to demoralize the population and sabotage any progress toward peace.”
Mykolaiv, a southern port city, suffered similar devastation with oil storage tanks and grain silos engulfed in flames—an attack that not only affects Ukraine’s economy but could have global ripple effects on food security.
Targeted Cities and the Scale of Destruction
Preliminary reports suggest that over 80 drones were launched, 60 of which were intercepted. The remaining 20 caused widespread damage. Ukrainian emergency services reported at least 34 civilians injured and 7 confirmed dead, though these numbers are expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The Ukrainian military labeled the strikes “yet another example of Russian duplicity,” pointing out that drone attacks were ongoing even as Russia talked of peace. The timing of the attack—the very night of the peace proposal—seemed almost calculated to send a mixed message.
Drone remnants recovered from the sites indicate that some of the drones were outfitted with enhanced explosive payloads, indicating a planned escalation in aerial tactics. As the death toll rises and the rubble is cleared, one thing is clear: the peace talks may have already been sabotaged before they even began.
Ukraine’s Response to Russia’s Mixed Signals
Zelenskyy’s Reaction to the Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wasted no time responding to Russia’s seemingly contradictory actions. In a late-night televised address, Zelenskyy expressed both disbelief and cautious skepticism, stating, “We will not be deceived by false pretenses. Peace is not declared with drones in the sky and bombs on our homes.” His speech, somber yet defiant, captured the mood of a nation that has seen repeated betrayal under the guise of negotiations.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace, but only under the condition of an immediate and verifiable ceasefire. He stressed that true peace cannot be achieved until Russia ceases all hostile actions and begins a genuine withdrawal of its forces. “We welcome dialogue, but not at the cost of our cities burning,” he said.
The president also held emergency consultations with his security council, demanding international accountability and urging allies to pressure Russia into halting its offensive before any meaningful talks can occur. His administration has since called for an emergency session at the United Nations to discuss the attacks and Russia’s contradictory messaging.
Ukrainian Military and Civilian Impact
While the Ukrainian military has grown adept at intercepting aerial threats, the sheer volume and coordination of Saturday night’s drone attacks overwhelmed even the most advanced defense systems. Military analysts described it as one of the most complex and large-scale drone campaigns Russia has launched to date.
Power grids were damaged in several regions, leaving thousands without electricity. Hospitals were forced to operate on backup generators, and several civilian infrastructures, including schools and transportation hubs, were severely damaged. Civilian morale, though hardened by years of war, took a hit as many questioned whether peace is truly possible while living under constant threat.
First responders and military officials reported that many of the injured were caught in their homes during the attacks. Residential areas were specifically targeted in what Ukrainian officials are calling a deliberate campaign of terror. The Ukrainian Air Force has since intensified its efforts to detect and destroy drone launch points, but officials admit the asymmetric nature of drone warfare makes total prevention nearly impossible.
Calls for a Ceasefire Before Dialogue
Ukraine’s official position moving forward is crystal clear: no talks without a ceasefire. Zelenskyy and key members of his cabinet are demanding an internationally monitored 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite for any negotiations. This demand is not just symbolic—it’s rooted in a growing distrust of Moscow’s intentions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized this point in a joint press conference with European diplomats, stating, “Peace talks mean nothing if they’re followed by missile strikes. We must ensure Russia is negotiating in good faith, not using diplomacy as a distraction while continuing their aggression.”
The Ukrainian parliament has since passed a resolution calling for a full investigation into Russia’s attacks, labeling them potential war crimes under international law. The resolution also supports the formation of a multilateral negotiation team involving the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union to act as intermediaries in the proposed Istanbul talks.
Global Reactions and Geopolitical Implications
Trump Labels Talks a ‘Potentially Great Day’
Former U.S. President Donald Trump was among the first global figures to respond to Putin’s peace talk proposal. Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa, Trump hailed the talks as a “potentially great day for the world,” urging both sides to seize the opportunity for diplomacy. However, after news broke of the drone strikes, his tone shifted slightly.
Trump condemned the attacks as “reckless and unnecessary,” stating that any hope for peace would be nullified if violence continued. In a statement released through his spokesperson, Trump added, “You can’t talk peace with one hand and drop bombs with the other. The world sees through that.”
Despite being out of office, Trump’s voice still carries weight in certain geopolitical circles, particularly among U.S. Republicans who have long debated the level of involvement America should maintain in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His words may influence future U.S. policy and funding decisions related to Ukraine, especially as election season approaches.
European Leaders Demand 30-Day Ceasefire
Across the Atlantic, European leaders responded swiftly and sternly. UK Prime Minister Rachel Reeves, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock issued a joint statement alongside Polish President Andrzej Duda, demanding a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting May 12. Failure to comply, they warned, would result in “massive sanctions on Russian energy exports, increased military aid to Ukraine, and diplomatic isolation on every front.”
The European Union has already begun drafting a new package of sanctions that targets Russian financial institutions, oil and gas exports, and high-ranking government officials. This latest move indicates a growing frustration in Europe over Russia’s continued duplicity and aggression.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg backed these sentiments, calling Russia’s actions “unacceptable and damaging to any prospect of peace.” NATO has increased surveillance of Russian military movements in the Black Sea and Eastern Europe and is preparing to deploy additional defense systems to Ukraine’s western borders.
NATO and UN Concerns Over Russia’s Trustworthiness
The United Nations, long involved in mediating the Ukraine conflict, has voiced concern over Russia’s conflicting behavior. UN Secretary-General António Guterres released a statement urging “both parties to exercise restraint” while noting that Russia’s attacks could jeopardize diplomatic progress. He called for an independent investigation into the strikes and emphasized the need for transparency ahead of the Istanbul meeting.
Meanwhile, NATO officials have expressed deep skepticism about Russia’s intentions. Intelligence reports suggest that the Kremlin may be using the peace talks as a smokescreen while preparing for a summer offensive. Leaked satellite images show a buildup of Russian forces near the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions, adding weight to these concerns.
International watchdogs are now urging global powers to remain vigilant, arguing that any peace efforts must be backed by tangible actions, not hollow words. With the peace talks fast approaching, the world waits in anxious anticipation, unsure whether diplomacy or deception will prevail.
