Fighting Resumes and Tensions Rise After US-Led Ceasefire Ends

May 12, 2026, 19:36
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Military operations between Russia and Ukraine have started again after the end of a three-day humanitarian truce organized by the United States.

Main Body

The ceasefire, which lasted from May 9 to May 11, ended with both sides accusing each other of breaking the agreement. After the truce expired, there was a sharp increase in air attacks. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia used over 200 drones to attack energy plants and civilian areas in regions such as Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk. On the other hand, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Ukrainian forces launched retaliatory strikes, stating that they stopped many drones over the Belgorod and Rostov regions. At the same time, Russia successfully tested the RS-28 Sarmat, a powerful intercontinental ballistic missile. President Vladimir Putin described this weapon as the strongest in the world, emphasizing that it can bypass current missile defense systems and will be deployed by the end of the year. This demonstration happened while both leaders disagreed on the future of the war; the Kremlin suggested the conflict is nearing an end, whereas President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Moscow does not actually want to stop fighting. Diplomatic tensions have also grown regarding who should mediate the peace talks. The European Union and Ukrainian officials rejected President Putin's proposal to use former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, citing a lack of political legitimacy. Furthermore, the EU is currently discussing a 21st package of sanctions against the Russian defense industry. Meanwhile, Germany and Ukraine are strengthening their partnership to produce long-range drones together. Internally, Ukraine has started legal action against former chief of staff Andriy Yermak over allegations of money laundering.

Conclusion

The current situation is marked by a return to active fighting and nuclear threats, while peace efforts remain blocked because both sides cannot agree on the basic conditions for peace.

Learning

🌉 The 'Connector' Leap: Moving Beyond 'And' and 'But'

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences. A2 students say: "Russia tested a missile. Putin said it is strong." A B2 student connects these ideas to show a relationship.

⚡ The Power Shift: Contrast & Comparison

Look at how the text handles opposing ideas. Instead of just using "but," it uses sophisticated anchors:

  • "On the other hand..." →\rightarrow Use this when you have two different perspectives on the same event.
    • Example: "The city is beautiful. On the other hand, the rent is too expensive."
  • "Whereas..." →\rightarrow This is a high-level way to compare two people or things in one sentence.
    • Example: "The Kremlin suggested the conflict is nearing an end, whereas President Zelenskyy asserted that Moscow does not want to stop."

🛠️ Logic Glue: Adding Information

When adding a new point, "and" is too basic. Try these Academic Bridges found in the article:

  1. Furthermore: Use this to add a stronger or more important point to your argument.
    • Text usage: The EU rejected a proposal. Furthermore, they are discussing sanctions.
  2. Meanwhile: Use this when two different things are happening at the exact same time.
    • Text usage: The EU is discussing sanctions. Meanwhile, Germany and Ukraine are making drones.

🚀 Pro-Tip: The 'Assert' Upgrade

Stop using "say" for everything. The text uses Reporting Verbs to show the intent of the speaker:

  • Claimed (They say it's true, but it might not be) →\rightarrow "Russian Ministry of Defense claimed..."
  • Asserted (They say it with strong confidence/authority) →\rightarrow "Zelenskyy asserted..."
  • Emphasizing (They want you to notice a specific detail) →\rightarrow "emphasizing that it can bypass..."

Vocabulary Learning

ceasefire
A temporary pause in fighting between opposing parties.
Example:The ceasefire lasted only two days before hostilities resumed.
humanitarian
Relating to the relief of human suffering and the promotion of human welfare.
Example:The organization launched a humanitarian aid convoy to the affected area.
truce
An agreement to stop fighting for a specified period.
Example:The two sides agreed to a truce until the next diplomatic meeting.
accusation
A claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal.
Example:The accusation of sabotage was denied by the company.
agreement
A negotiated understanding between parties about a particular matter.
Example:The agreement set out the terms for the trade deal.
expired
No longer valid or effective after a set period.
Example:The contract had expired, so they had to renegotiate.
sharp
Sudden, intense, or pronounced in change or effect.
Example:There was a sharp increase in the number of incidents.
increase
To become larger or greater in amount or intensity.
Example:The number of refugees increased after the conflict.
attack
An assault or offensive action against a target.
Example:The city suffered a surprise attack at dawn.
official
A person holding a position of authority or responsibility in an organization.
Example:The official announced new policies at the press conference.
energy
Power or vitality, often referring to electricity or fuel.
Example:The plant supplies energy to the entire region.
civilian
A person who is not a member of the armed forces or police.
Example:Civilian casualties were a major concern during the war.
region
A particular area or part of a country or the world.
Example:The region was heavily affected by the drought.
ministry
A government department headed by a minister.
Example:The ministry of health issued a new guideline.
defense
Protection against attack or harm.
Example:The defense system intercepted the incoming missile.
missile
A weapon that flies through the air to a target.
Example:The missile was launched from the coastal base.
bypass
To go around or avoid a particular obstacle or route.
Example:The new road bypassed the old town center.
system
A set of connected parts working together to achieve a purpose.
Example:The security system detected a breach.
demonstration
A public display of support, protest, or instruction.
Example:The demonstration attracted thousands of participants.
conflict
A serious disagreement or fight between parties.
Example:The conflict escalated after the failed negotiations.