**Russia’s Attack on Ukraine: A Clear Violation of International Law**
Last night, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, sending 69 missiles and 298 drones towards the country. This brutal assault has resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including three children, and left over 60 injured. The indiscriminate killing of women and children at night in their homes is a clear violation of international law, as enshrined in the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, was quick to condemn the attack on social media platform X. Without directly naming Russia, Kellogg called for an immediate end to hostilities and a ceasefire. His words echoed those of Ukrainian officials, who have been pleading with the international community to take action against Russia’s aggressive behavior.
**The Silence from Washington**
Despite the gravity of the situation, President Trump has remained ominously quiet on the matter. In fact, he has not yet publicly commented on the attacks. This silence is particularly disturbing given the repeated threats of further sanctions against Russia if it did not agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
Just two weeks ago, Trump promised to join partners in imposing additional sanctions on Russia if it failed to accept a 30-day ceasefire. However, when presented with another opportunity to take action, he refused to follow through on his promise. The international community is now questioning whether the U.S. will ever live up to its commitments to support Ukraine.
**A Pattern of Inaction**
This latest attack by Russia is merely the latest in a long line of incidents that have been met with a lack of decisive action from Washington. When confronted about potential sanctions against Russia, Trump has consistently demonstrated a reluctance to take tough measures.
In fact, Axios reported just last week that European leaders were “surprised” by Trump’s seeming contentment with Putin’s response after their phone call on May 19. The New York Times also revealed that the U.S. president refused to impose sanctions on Russia as it might hinder future business and trade opportunities with Moscow.
**Ukraine’s Frustration**
As the situation continues to escalate, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia has expressed frustration at the lack of international support for Ukraine. In an interview aired last week on Ukraine’s national telethon, he revealed that Russia’s negotiating team in Istanbul had repeatedly stated that an unconditional ceasefire was categorically unacceptable.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also cast doubt on the Vatican as a possible venue for future peace talks with Ukraine, adding fuel to the fire of international tensions. It is clear that more must be done to pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire and working towards a lasting resolution to this devastating conflict.
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