‘Russia is not close to seeking a ceasefire, quite the contrary’

Apartment building hit by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Donetsk region, in the city of Kramatorsk, Ukraine - REUTERS/ YEVHEN TITOV
María Senovilla warned on Onda Madrid that Russia has ruled out a ceasefire and denounced the use of drones against civilians as a crime against humanity at the UN

Correspondent and journalist María Senovilla, a contributor to Atalayar, analysed Volodymyr Zelensky's denunciation at the United Nations of Russia's refusal to accept and/or seek a ceasefire on the Onda Madrid programme ‘De cara al mundo’, just one day after US President Donald Trump expressed his support and went so far as to say that with the necessary help, Ukraine could recover all its territory. A statement that the Kremlin has been quick to deny.

  1. Political shift in Trump's statements
  2. Ukrainian resistance to the conflict
  3. Zelensky's diplomatic skills on the international stage
  4. The escalation of bombing and its impact on civilians
  5. Crimes against humanity and the use of FPV drones

Political shift in Trump's statements

Recent statements by former President Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine have led to a notable shift in his political discourse. In a speech during the UN General Assembly, Trump stated that Ukraine could recover all the territory occupied by Russia, provided it receives adequate financial support from Europe and military backing from NATO.

This stance contrasts with his previous statements, in which he took a more ambivalent position towards the conflict and Russia's role. However, these words do not include a concrete plan or specific commitments, especially in relation to the deployment of US or allied troops, which is generating scepticism among experts and the actors involved in the war themselves.

The difficulty of regaining territory in this war lies in the defensive structure that Russia has established over many years. Although the recovery of occupied areas seems a strategic objective for Ukraine, the reality on the ground presents formidable resistance due to the Kremlin's fortification and military preparation in these territories.

In this photo taken and released by the Presidential Press Service of Ukraine in Kyiv on 26 April 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) meets with US President Donald Trump (R) on the sidelines of the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican - PHOTO/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE OF UKRAINE

Ukrainian resistance to the conflict

The prevailing opinion among Ukrainian authorities and the population in response to Trump's statements is that there is no realistic expectation of an imminent change in territorial control. Ukrainian efforts are focused on maintaining the front lines and strengthening their military and logistical capabilities to sustain the defence of key areas of the country.

In addition, the war situation is very tense, with intense fighting in regions such as Kharkiv and Donetsk. On these fronts, Russian troops continue to seek to open gaps, while Ukrainian forces reorganise their deployments to contain and counter enemy advances, highlighting the complexity and protracted nature of this conflict.

Given this situation, international support in terms of weapons and funding is vital for Ukraine. However, the international community is maintaining a cautious stance to avoid a direct escalation that could involve foreign military forces, underscoring the delicate geopolitical dynamics in the region.

View of the damaged Antonovsky Bridge over the Dnieper River in Kherson, Ukraine, 13 November 2022 - AP/LIBKOS

Zelensky's diplomatic skills on the international stage

President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to stand out for his ability to manage Ukraine's international agenda. During his stay at the UN headquarters, he managed to establish contacts and meetings with various world leaders, consolidating Ukraine's presence in the diplomatic sphere and maintaining global attention on the conflict.

These diplomatic actions are particularly relevant in a context where the conflict has been overshadowed by other global crises. Zelensky has taken advantage of every opportunity to raise awareness of his country's situation and strengthen the international alliances essential for Ukraine's political and military sustainability.

The Ukrainian president's ability to mobilise support and generate empathy in forums such as the UN reaffirms his role as a key interlocutor, not only in matters of war, but also in the search for political solutions which, although still distant, represent hope for the resolution of the conflict.

Ukraine's President Volodimir Zelenski - PHOTO/LEON NEAL via REUTERS

The escalation of bombing and its impact on civilians

In parallel with the military dynamics, Ukrainian cities continue to suffer serious consequences due to the intensified bombing by Russian forces. In areas such as Zaporizhia, Dnipro and Kharkiv, the civilian population is suffering the most from these attacks, while in Kyiv the situation remains relatively calm, albeit with constant threats.

The increase in these attacks has led to a significant rise in the number of civilian casualties, highlighting the high human cost of this conflict. The United Nations has reported a 40% increase in civilian deaths during the last period, attributed directly to the surge in bombing in populated areas.

This tragic context not only affects people, but also has implications for social, economic and humanitarian stability in the affected regions, making the possibility of dialogue or a peaceful solution in the short term even more difficult.

A woman walks past a damaged building after a missile strike in Konstantinovka, Donetsk oblast, eastern Ukraine - AP/ NARIMAN EL-MOFTY

Crimes against humanity and the use of FPV drones

One of the most serious allegations against the Kremlin has recently been raised by the UN, which accuses Russia of crimes against humanity related to the systematic use of FPV (First Person View) drones to attack the civilian population. This practice, which consists of targeted pursuits and attacks with drones loaded with explosives, has been documented particularly in Kherson.

For months, witnesses and victims have reported that these drones follow people, buses and emergency vehicles, creating constant terror in areas near the front line. This method has been used to forcibly displace the civilian population, making daily life difficult and seeking to uproot local communities.

The evidence presented includes hundreds of videos collected by both witnesses and Russian channels on Telegram, testimonies that demonstrate the strategic use of these actions to sow fear and facilitate Russian territorial expansion. The UN has emphasised the seriousness of these tactics and has raised the complaint with the intention that the international community take measures to prevent and punish these violations of international humanitarian law.

Furthermore, this form of warfare has evolved and spread to Donbas, where cities such as Konstantinovka and Kramatorsk face the same type of attacks. Local authorities are attempting to protect main roads with special nets to neutralise drones, although total protection of urban areas is extremely difficult, leaving the population exposed to these attacks.

These events underscore the cruel and protracted nature of the conflict, whose impact on the civilian population is profound and devastates living conditions, as well as complicating any progress towards peace, while the international community watches with growing concern and demands that fundamental human rights be respected.