Sumy, Ukraine – Russian forces are attempting to establish a strategic buffer zone in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, according to local authorities. Oleh Hryhorov, Governor of Sumy, reported via Telegram that four villages near the border are currently in a “grey zone” due to ongoing hostilities. Despite repeated efforts, Russia has so far failed to secure control over these settlements.
“The creation of the buffer zone has not been successful,” Hryhorov emphasized, underlining the resilience of Ukrainian defense efforts in the region.
This military push comes amid broader geopolitical tensions and a flurry of diplomatic accusations and conflicting narratives between Kyiv and Moscow.
Russian forces have advance south from Zhuravka and entered the village of Bilovody in the Sumy region. pic.twitter.com/t5qEP5Fgbh
— KalibratedMaps (@Kalibrated_Maps) April 29, 2025
Ukraine Rejects Direct Peace Talks, Kremlin Says
While hostilities continue on the ground, the Kremlin has accused Ukraine of rebuffing attempts at initiating direct peace negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to negotiate, but claims Kyiv has not responded.
The statements follow Russia’s unilateral declaration of a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to May 11, timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Ukraine, however, has dismissed this offer, calling it insufficient and politically motivated.
Zelensky and Ukrainian Officials Slam Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled the proposed three-day ceasefire “an attempt at manipulation.” Speaking critically, he said: “For some reason, everyone has to wait until 8 May so that Putin can have peace and quiet for his parade. We value human lives, not parades.”
Echoing the president’s sentiment, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the proposed ceasefire was merely “for show” and reiterated calls for a broader 30-day truce. “If Russia really wants peace, it must lay down its arms immediately,” Sybiha insisted.
BREAKING:
Zelensky rejects Putin’s ceasefire proposal for Victory Day (May 9)
Zelensky tells Putin to accept Trump’s full 30-day-ceasefire:
“We value lives, not parades. A real ceasefire must start immediately & last at least 30 days — not just pause killing for a few days” pic.twitter.com/TU1ESnIwnY
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 28, 2025
Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack: Child Killed in Dnipropetrovsk
Amid these diplomatic frictions, the conflict on the ground continues unabated. In one of the largest aerial attacks in weeks, Russia launched 100 drones at Ukrainian territories on Monday night. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the regions of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk were hit.
Tragically, a 12-year-old girl was killed in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian emergency services confirmed her parents were injured in the same attack. Kyiv was also among the targets.
US Pushes for Long-Term Ceasefire, Trump Urges Pressure on Putin
Internationally, pressure is mounting on Russia. The United States is pushing forward negotiations this week, seeking a more permanent resolution to the conflict. Former President Donald Trump, who remains influential in US foreign policy circles, stated that if he were to get seriously involved, he would aim to place significant pressure on President Putin.
“Russia is stuck on the front line and their economic outlook is poor,” a US analysis noted, suggesting that the Kremlin’s ability to sustain prolonged aggression may be waning.
A Fragile Pause or Tactical Diversion?
As Russia’s unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 11 approaches, skepticism remains high. The Kremlin has warned that any Ukrainian violation of the ceasefire would result in immediate retaliation—raising fears that the temporary truce could serve as a pretext for renewed offensives.
Earlier ceasefires, such as the one declared during Easter, failed to hold, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
For now, Ukraine maintains its stance: a short pause in aggression is not enough. Only a long-term, comprehensive cessation of hostilities—one that prioritizes human lives over symbolism—will be taken seriously.
🇩🇪❗️🇷🇺 Friedrich Merz: "We are under immediate threat from Russia. We see daily sabotage, destruction of data lines and submarine cables, systematic disinformation of our population. We also see poisonings and murders in many cities in Europe. This is the work of the Russian… pic.twitter.com/G4hMt0ViNe
— Savchenko Volodymyr (@SavchenkoReview) April 29, 2025