Thousands of European troops to rehearse Ukraine deployment in event of peace

Kyiv reported on Monday that Russian strikes on a school delivering humanitarian aid resulted in at least 26 casualties, casting doubt on recent progress towards peace following the expiration of a local ceasefire in southern Ukraine. Russia resumed offensive operations in the Kherson region, the area where the truce came to a close.

A brief ceasefire brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, which began on Tuesday, ended on Sunday without any reported breaches. However, hours later, Russia targeted a village in Zaporizhzhia, near Kherson, with repeated strikes, killing at least 26 people, according to the acting regional governor. Some victims had gathered to collect aid at a local school.

Graphic footage showed the school destroyed and rescue workers on the scene. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, stating that the attack occurred as people arrived to receive aid, with "several aerial bombs" hitting the building immediately. The victims included "two rescue workers and four police officers," who were remembered for their bravery in dangerous conditions.

Zelensky noted that the ceasefire had offered a potential pathway for further peace, but this incident sent a starkly contrasting message. He emphasized the need for a response to Russia's actions. After the ceasefire, Ukraine managed to evacuate the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, marking the longest period of peace since Russia's 2022 invasion.

However, Kiev suspected Russia of fortifying its positions during the truce and alleged that Moscow used the pause to strengthen its defenses. The Kremlin denied these accusations, describing them as "completely normal practice" in such situations. Russia praised the successful humanitarian mission in Oleshky, highlighting the cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian officials, though it did not confirm any further truce missions.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, are scheduled to resume next week in Abu Dhabi. However, trust between the two sides remains tenuous, with concerns that US President Donald Trump's shifting allegiances may complicate peace negotiations. Both nations reported cyberattacks on their emergency warning apps soon after the truce ended, with Ukraine suspecting a breach in its air raid alert system.

Russia claimed that its emergency situations ministry app, used to warn citizens of incoming attacks, had also been hacked, though the app is less common in Russia compared to Ukraine.