Photo : The New York Times
Photo : The New York Times
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 23 April, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported on a combined Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv. Ukraine’s officials confirmed the death of nine and injuries of 63. The strikes, which severely damaged residential buildings while emergency workers continue to search through rubble for survivors.
On 23 April, Russia launched a new set of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv. According to Ukrainian officials, Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv were hit by ballistic missiles from multiple directions, with damage reported to civilian infrastructure such as garages, homes, and vehicles. Fires broke out in several districts, and at least two were killed while 54 others, including six children, were injured. Air defence systems intercepted some of the incoming threats. Meanwhile, Kharkiv's mayor confirmed that the city was struck by seven rockets overnight.
On 23 April, Ukraine firmly rejected any peace deal that includes recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea, with Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stating that Kyiv is “ready to negotiate—but not to surrender.” She emphasized that Ukraine will not accept “a frozen conflict disguised as peace” and that only a full ceasefire—across land, sea, and air—can serve as the foundation for talks. Her comments come amid reports that the US has proposed a settlement recognizing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, an idea firmly opposed by both Svyrydenko and Zelenskyy. As Ukrainian officials gather in London for talks with US, UK, and European representatives, Svyrydenko made clear that Ukraine would not allow Russia to regroup under the guise of diplomacy.
On 23 April, Ukrinform reported on the death of nine in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region after a Russian drone strike hit a bus carrying workers to Marhanets. Head of the Regional Council, Mykola Lukashuk said that the victims were en route to work when the vehicle was targeted. In addition, six others were injured in a separate “massive” drone assault on the Poltava region. The strikes, which hit civilian infrastructure across eastern, southern, and central Ukraine, come despite recent signals from both Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggesting openness to a pact prohibiting attacks on civilian infrastructure. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 23 April, RT reported on explosions at a military base in Russia's Vladimir region are reportedly subsiding, according to regional Governor Alexander Avdeev. The blasts, caused by safety violations leading to the detonation of stored ammunition, prompted the evacuation of around 450 residents. Four people were injured, and a state of emergency remains in place, with schools, businesses, and roads in the Kirzhach district still closed. Authorities are now conducting surveys and damage assessments following the incident, which the Russian Defence Ministry attributed to breaches in safety protocols.
On 23 April, Putin had reportedly proposed halting the war in Ukraine along the current front lines as part of a potential peace agreement with Trump. The proposal includes recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, while suggesting Russia may withdraw claims to some occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. While Putin expressed openness to peace talks, Kyiv and its European allies remain firm calling full restoration of Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders. Zelenskyy reiterated his willingness to negotiate, but only after a ceasefire is implemented.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and EuropeOn 23 April, US President Donald Trump claimed that Russia had agreed to a deal to end the war but accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of blocking progress. He said: "We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy." He described negotiations with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin as comparatively easier and stated frustration over Kyiv’s refusal to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which is reportedly part of a US peace proposal. He added: “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy…so far it’s been harder.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the same said: “Patience is running very thin.” His remarks come after US media reports suggested that the Trump administration may recognize Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, a position Zelenskyy firmly rejected, saying the peninsula “was, is, and will be Ukrainian territory.” Vice President JD Vance echoed growing impatience, warning the US could “walk away” if a deal is not reached soon.