Zelenskyy Seeks Ceasefire as Putin Proposes Direct Talks in Turkey

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence reported that a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was shot down by a maritime drone in the Black Sea, marking a potential milestone in military technology. The incident occurred on Friday near Novorossiisk, a significant Russian port, when a missile fired from a Magura V5 drone targeted the aircraft, which is valued at approximately $50 million. Ukrainian officials stated that the operation was executed by a military intelligence unit called Group 13, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and various armed forces units. A video released by Ukrainian authorities purportedly shows the fighter jet “engulfed in flames mid-air before crashing into the sea.” The Russian Defence Ministry has yet to comment on the claim, although a Russian blogger associated with military circles confirmed that the jet was indeed shot down about 50 kilometers west of Novorossiisk. Amid these developments, the mayor of Novorossiisk declared a state of emergency after a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly caused damage to a grain terminal and injured five people. In retaliation, Russia conducted a drone strike on Kyiv, damaging multiple residential buildings.

Investigative reports reveal that Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna was brutally tortured and killed during her captivity by Russian forces in 2023. Roshchyna, 27, was captured while covering the situation in occupied Zaporizhzhia. A forensic examination conducted by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office indicated extensive injuries, including broken ribs and potential electric shock marks. According to Yuriy Belousov, head of the War Crimes Unit, the body showed signs of prior autopsy and missing organs, suggesting an attempt to conceal evidence of a war crime. Roshchyna's colleagues at Ukrainska Pravda described her commitment to journalism as a "mission," emphasizing her unique position as the only reporter in the area. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned Russia for her death. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about numerous civilians held by Russia without legal recourse, with foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy calling for a stronger international response. This tragic incident underscores the perilous situation for journalists in conflict zones and the urgent need for global attention to civilian hostages.

In the early hours of April 24, 2025, Kyiv was struck by a missile attack from Russia, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuring over 54, according to city mayor Vitali Klitschko. Reports indicated that residents were forced to take shelter as drones were also detected flying over the city. In parallel, another Ukrainian city, Kharkiv, faced missile barrages, with ongoing drone threats, as per mayor Igor Terekhov's statements. This aggression followed remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his refusal to recognize Russian claims over Crimea as part of any peace negotiation. Trump suggested that a resolution to the conflict was close, though he accused Zelensky of complicating discussions. Zelensky's office responded by condemning the attacks and reiterating the need for a ceasefire, stating that “Putin shows only a desire to kill.” As the political climate intensifies, speculation mounts regarding the U.S. willingness to concede territory to Russia, raising concerns in Europe about Ukraine's sovereignty.