Russia made a nasty rocket strike on Ukrainian citizens Palm Sunday. At least 34 were killed, including children. Over a hundred more were wounded. Everyone in civilized parts of the world are calling it an atrocity. The Kremlin isn’t trying to blame a rogue general or otherwise sidestep full responsibility. White House officials were quick to condemn the strike, saying it “crosses any line of decency.” Since then, they’ve been under a cone of silence as they ponder the best way to respond. The answer would be a lot easier if Zelenskyy had signed the mineral deal but they’ll have to reply to this major incident, somehow, even without full negotiating authority.
Russia plays dirty
Russia launched a totally uncalled for “ballistic missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was instantly in front of the cameras on Sunday, April 13, demanding “a global response.”
NATO isn’t in much position to help him out and he hasn’t formally signed the retainer contract with Trump yet. That means he’s pretty much on his own unless the United States decides to step in, without official authority as a defender of Ukraine.
Reports note that two sophisticated ballistic missiles “struck the heart of the city at about 10:15 a.m.” That wasn’t nice.
They exploded into multiple “cluster” bombs which rained down on faithful Christians “gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, the first day of the Christian Holy Week.” The sneaky move by Russia was totally over the top, by any modern standards of warfare.
Zelenskyy implored to reporters that “it is crucial that the world does not stay silent or indifferent.” Since they won’t send arms and ammunition, the least world leaders can do is speak out about it. “Russian strikes deserve nothing but condemnation.”
“There must be pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people.” The United States would be able to apply a whole lot of pressure but Ukraine needs to sign the retainer contract first. Zelenskyy seems to be the one gumming up the works with his demands of security outcome “guarantees” before signing.
A terrible tragedy
Ukrainian officials note that the death toll is expected to rise. “On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy,” acting Mayor Artem Kobzar declared. In recent days, Russia has been diplomatically thumbing their nose at the west while claiming to be ready for a ceasefire deal.
After three years of fighting they haven’t accomplished their objectives. They haven’t been repelled, either. The longer the war drags on, the better their chances for total success.
Our official response came from President Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. The retired lieutenant general proclaimed the outrageous attack “crosses any line of decency.” He would know. “As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong.” Only two days prior, “Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg.”
He spent four hours haggling with Russia but didn’t achieve any breakthroughs. Trump told reporters later that “discussions aimed at ending the war may be going well.” He’s not as sure as he used to be. “But there’s a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up.”
Apparently, this was Putin’s response to that. Zelenskyy, instead of rushing to get the negotiation contract signed with Trump, threw more gasoline on the fire. Talk is cheap, he whined. Negotiations “have never stopped” ballistic missiles and bombs.
“What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves.” He totally misses the point that he and his nation are totally powerless to stop it or it would have been over long ago. Trump can stop it, by making it personal. That’s the entire reason the mineral deal is so crucial. It would give the U.S. a business interest to protect inside Ukraine. Trump could order a direct strike wiping out the units who launched the missiles on Sumy. Without that piece of paper, his hands are tied.
