Russian forces launched a missile strike on the Odesa region on Dec. 12, damaging a civilian vessel in the port of Chornomorsk. The attack followed a strike on Odesa's energy infrastructure the previous night.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the incident, noting that he had previously discussed the situation in Odesa with U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Today's Russian strike, like many others, had absolutely no military justification. It proves once again that the Russians not only fail to take the current chance for diplomacy seriously but are continuing to wage war specifically to destroy normal life in Ukraine," Zelensky wrote.
He emphasized the need for the world to clearly distinguish between those prolonging the war and those seeking to end it through peace—between those using ballistic missiles against civilian targets and those striking military objectives.
"Moscow's desire to fight must cease to be the dominant force, and that depends entirely on how the world responds to Russia's actions," the Ukrainian president stressed.
On the same day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, Anadolu reports. Erdogan proposed implementing a limited ceasefire within the framework of the peace process, "primarily for energy facilities and ports," stating that "progress is possible in areas of practical benefit to both sides."
The Turkish leader added that he is closely monitoring negotiations to end the war and offered Turkey as a venue for talks "in any format."
As a reminder, ISW explained Lavrov's refusal regarding a truce: what Russia is now insisting on.