MWE Correspondent
The Russian government has declared that it will not allow Ukraine to regain its internationally recognized 1991 borders, arguing such a move poses a threat to Russian civilians and regional stability.
The announcement comes in the wake of a devastating drone strike on a busy market in Oleshky, located in the contested Kherson region, which Russia has condemned as a deliberate terrorist act.
The early morning attack, which happened around 3:30 a.m. on May 1—a national holiday in Russia—targeted the market during a peak business period. According to preliminary reports from local authorities, at least seven people were killed and more than 20 were injured. The situation worsened when a second wave of drones reportedly struck first responders and those trying to flee the scene, adding to the casualties.
In a strongly worded statement, Russian officials accused Ukraine’s leadership of escalating the conflict and intentionally targeting civilians. “This event once again exposes the violent and provocative nature of the current regime in Kyiv,” read a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova added further weight to the message, saying Ukraine, as it was known within its 1991 borders, “no longer exists—and never will again.” This statement reflects a hardening of Russia’s position, particularly following comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who warned that any push to return to the old borders would likely trigger a larger conflict involving Western nations.
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The drone strike in Oleshky is part of a growing pattern of violence in the region. Since the beginning of 2025, Russian authorities report that more than 650 drone attacks have taken place in the Kherson region alone, resulting in multiple civilian casualties.
The tragedy also unfolds against a backdrop of shifting international dynamics. On May 1, Ukraine signed a strategic minerals deal with the United States, signaling stronger long-term economic and defense cooperation. While the deal was presented as a means to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and independence, some observers believe it could also serve to lock in American military and political backing as the conflict drags on.
In response to growing international pressure for de-escalation, President Vladimir Putin has announced a short-term ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the move as insufficient, calling instead for a broader and lasting truce that could open the door to meaningful peace talks.
