**Russian Attacks on Ukraine Continue, Injuring at Least 22 People**
Over the past 24 hours, Russian attacks have caused significant damage and injury in various regions of Ukraine. According to regional authorities, at least 22 people were injured in the overnight assault, which targeted several parts of the country.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed a large number of attack and decoy drones during the assault, with 108 drones used overall. While air defenses successfully intercepted 55 strike drones, 30 decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing any damage. The affected regions included Odesa, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, and Zhytomyr oblasts.
**Specific Attacks Cause Damage and Injuries**
In Donetsk Oblast, five civilians were injured in separate attacks on four towns, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. A Russian drone also attacked a civilian freight train in the region, injuring the locomotive driver with shrapnel. He was hospitalized but is in stable condition.
In Odesa Oblast, one person was injured as Russian drones struck civilian infrastructure, damaging residential buildings and other facilities. In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces attacked over 30 settlements with drones, artillery, and air strikes, causing damage to apartment buildings, houses, and civilian vehicles. Five civilians were injured in the attack.
Other regions also reported significant attacks, including Kharkiv Oblast, where eight communities came under fire, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where two men were injured by a guided aerial bomb. Houses and cars were damaged in the attack.
**Negotiations Continue Despite Ongoing Attacks**
Despite the ongoing attacks, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia continue. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukraine to restart talks based on the terms of the 2022 Istanbul discussions and the “current situation on the battlefield.” However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire starting May 12.
The Kremlin has not responded to Zelensky’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting of the two leaders. The ongoing attacks and lack of progress in negotiations have raised concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
**Commentary**
The continued attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian civilians are a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict. Despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, the situation remains precarious, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise.
As international pressure grows on Russia to cease its aggressive actions, it is clear that Ukraine will not back down without achieving a fair and just resolution to the crisis. The ongoing attacks are a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who remain committed to defending their country against all odds.
**Deeper Analysis**
The lack of progress in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is a significant concern, as it raises questions about the ability of both sides to reach a peaceful agreement. The insistence by the Kremlin on negotiations without an unconditional ceasefire has been met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials, who are demanding concrete actions from Russia before engaging in talks.
The ongoing attacks also highlight the need for increased international pressure on Russia to cease its aggressive actions and engage in meaningful negotiations. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is clear that a coordinated effort by the international community will be necessary to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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