Ukrainians Remain Skeptical of Proposed Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Violence

In the wake of brutal Russian missile attacks that resulted in civilian casualties in Kyiv, many Ukrainians are voicing their skepticism about a proposed ceasefire by Vladimir Putin. Yuliya Antonyuk, visibly upset as she honored the memory of nine civilians killed by a missile strike in the Svyatoshno district, shared her feelings of vulnerability and fear, explaining how close the attack was to her own home. Living on the 24th floor, she recounted the terrifying experience of feeling her building shake during the attack, leaving her and her neighbors in a state of helplessness as they awaited potential danger.

a profound mistrust in Putin's words. He emphasized the deceptive nature of Putin's rhetoric, asserting that the Russian leader aims to obliterate Ukraine and cannot be trusted. Former military colonel Oleg Zhganov also voiced concern about Russia's past behavior, pointing out that previous ceasefires were used strategically by the Russians to regroup and launch further attacks.

Zhganov lamented the unacceptable toll on civilians, highlighting the tragic deaths and destruction in his own neighborhood due to ongoing violence. He suggested that the viability of any ceasefire hinges on the involvement of an independent third party to ensure both sides abide by fair practices. However, he expressed skepticism about the United States’ ability to act as a trustworthy mediator, given recent shifts in their stance on the conflict.

In Svyatoshno, music teacher Natalia Konorukova echoed the disillusionment felt by many, critiquing the lack of meaningful political action over the past three years. She described the promises made by foreign politicians as nothing more than "fairytales," contributing to her disbelief in the prospects for a genuine resolution to the ongoing conflict.