Feb 23 β€’ 06:33 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Russian strikes on Ukraine as Zelensky defends himself amid US pressures

Russian drone and missile strikes hit various locations in Ukraine, resulting in casualties, while President Zelensky faces US pressures for a peace plan with Russia just before the anniversary of the conflict.

On Monday, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian drone and missile strikes targeted different regions in Ukraine overnight, causing at least three fatalities and several injuries. The assaults included attacks on the Odesa region, where two individuals were killed and three others injured due to drone attacks, and in Zaporizhia, which saw strikes on industrial facilities resulting in one death and further injuries. The Russian military continues to intensify its offensive, particularly in southeastern Ukraine, amidst ongoing pressures for a diplomatic settlement.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently under scrutiny as he navigates increasing calls from the United States to accept a potential peace plan with Russia. This comes at a significant time, just one day before the fourth anniversary of the war between Ukraine and Russia, raising concerns about how such pressures could affect Ukraine's strategic decisions. The call for peace comes amid overwhelming evidence that the conflict remains far from resolution, with Russian forces persistently targeting critical infrastructure, including energy and transportation installations.

As the conflict escalates and the death toll rises from these recent attacks, the situation remains tense both on the ground and in international diplomatic circles. Zelensky's challenge lies not only in addressing the immediate safety concerns of Ukrainians but also in maintaining Ukraine's sovereignty and negotiating a viable path forward amidst conflicting pressures. These events underscore the complexity of the ongoing war and the critical need for strategic decision-making as external influences shape the unfolding landscape of the conflict.

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