Reports from Reuters, citing Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Serhiy Lysak, indicate a Russian attack in Kryvyi Rih resulted in one fatality and several injuries. This incident occurred after Ukraine reportedly agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

The attack’s location, Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, suggests a direct message was intended for him. The city has been repeatedly targeted by Russia throughout the war. 

Prior to this recent attack, Kryvyi Rih was struck on March 6, resulting in four deaths and 32 injuries, according to Reuters.

This Russian offensive occurs at a critical juncture, as Ukraine seemingly shifts its focus towards peace negotiations. Ukrainian officials recently engaged in discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia, a meeting confirmed by Zelenskyy, who emphasized Ukraine’s strong desire for peace.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that Ukraine had “accepted” the U.S. ceasefire plan.

“The President’s main objective is to end the war, and Ukraine’s acceptance of the ceasefire is a concrete step. We hope the Russians will follow suit,” Secretary Rubio told reporters in Saudi Arabia.

President Trump addressed the ceasefire during a Business Roundtable meeting on Tuesday.

“Russia has been easier to negotiate with than Ukraine, which is unexpected,” President Trump remarked. “We hope to engage with Russia, but we have secured a full ceasefire from Ukraine, which is positive.”

Kremlin spokesperson Demitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that Russia is withholding comments on the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal pending more detailed information. Secretary Rubio indicated the plan would be directly conveyed to the Russians.

Following a meeting with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, President Zelenskyy’s stance on the war appeared to evolve. Initially, President Trump claimed on Truth Social that President Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace.” However, the two seemed to have reconciled, as Trump read a letter from Zelenskyy during his address to a joint session of Congress last week.

“Earlier today, I received a significant letter from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine,” President Trump said. “The letter stated, ‘Ukraine is prepared to negotiate as soon as possible to achieve lasting peace. Ukrainians desire peace above all else. My team and I are ready to collaborate under President Trump’s leadership to secure a lasting peace.’”

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