Photo : Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS
Photo : Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 04 April, Ukrinform reported on a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih city in central Ukraine killing 18 and several injured. Russia's defence ministry claimed the attack as a target against military commanders and intended to maximise casualties. The same was confirmed by Ukrainian officials on the fires and casualties. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy condemned Russia's actions, highlighting the continued violence as Russia's reluctance to peace. According to Dnipro Regional Military Administration, Head, Serhiy Lysak, emergency services were on-site including psychological support to those affected.
On the same day, Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, claimed successful demining of over 35,000 square kilometres of land since 2022. He emphasised that Ukraine was the most mined country in the world, with over 174,000 square kilometres affected by the war. Demining has become a key recovery priority, and the government is expanding efforts, with 260 demining vehicles and nearly 5,500 workers involved. Over 1,000 hectares of agricultural land have been cleared, supporting the sowing season and boosting Ukraine’s agricultural output, particularly wheat. Despite progress, approximately 139,000 square kilometres remain potentially contaminated.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 04 April, the Kremlin expressed “cautious optimism” on the possibility of improving US-Russia relations following President Putin’s investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev visit to Washington. Dmitriev spent three days in the US discussing steps to restore bilateral ties, marking the highest-level Russian visit since diplomatic relations were suspended in 2022. On the same, Russia’s President Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, emphasised the importance of these talks but also urged to wait till Dmitriev's return. According to Dmitriev, discussions with US officials, including Trump’s Middle East envoy and Republican Senators, focused on issues like Arctic cooperation and rare-earth minerals. He also highlighted likely advances in resolving the Ukraine conflict. Dmitriev noted that Trump’s team better understood Moscow’s terms than the Biden administration.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 04 April, the US stated that it will know within "weeks, not months" whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that the decision to end the war rests with Putin. This comes after similar comments from the UK and French officials, who accused Putin of delaying peace efforts while continuing attacks. Meanwhile, Russian strikes in Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih resulted in further casualties. The US, under President Donald Trump, is pushing for a ceasefire agreement, with Ukraine already agreeing to a 30-day truce, while Russia is yet to decide. At the same time, military leaders from France and the UK visited Kyiv to discuss the potential deployment of allied troops should a ceasefire be reached. Both UK and French ministers criticised Putin for his reluctance to engage in peace talks, while Rubio stressed that the US would not engage in endless negotiations and would soon assess Russia’s intentions.
On 04 April, NATO foreign ministers during the meeting in Brussels addressed the rising tensions between the US and its allies. Despite challenges in US-Europe relations, particularly over trade issues after tariffs, European NATO members criticised Russia for undermining Trump's proposed peace deal for Ukraine. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticised Putin of insincerity in ceasefire talks, while the UK Foreign Minister David Lammy pointed out Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine despite the potential for a ceasefire. France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot urged the US to hold Russia accountable, stressing on the mediation efforts. In response, Rubio suggested that soon the world would know if Russia was genuinely seeking peace or merely stalling.
References
Paul Kirby, “Children among 18 killed in Russian attack on Zelensky's home city,” BBC, 04 April 2025
“Strike on Kryvyi Rih damages over 20 high-rise buildings, educational institution, and 30 cars,” Ukrinform, 04 April 2025
“AFU: Kharkiv direction not current priority for Russians, but situation may change,” Ukrinform, 04 April 2025
“Kremlin comments on envoy’s Washington talks,” RT, 04 April 2025
“Significant progress made on Ukraine ceasefire – Putin aide,” RT, 04 April 2025
Hafsa Khalil, “US says Putin will make decision on ceasefire in 'weeks, not months',” BBC, 04 April 2025
Alex Berry, “NATO: Europe scolds Russia for rejecting Trump's truce push,” Deutsche Welle, 04 April 2025