Zelensky Accuses Russia of Rejecting Ceasefire After New Strikes
Ukraine claims Russia rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal, leading to renewed strikes after a temporary agreement to pause attacks on energy facilities. Talks between Trump and Putin failed to yield a comprehensive ceasefire, with Russia demanding a halt to Western military aid. Strikes on civilian infrastructure intensified even after negotiations, raising skepticism about the prospect of lasting peace amid ongoing hostilities.
On Wednesday, Ukraine accused Russia of effectively rejecting a US-backed ceasefire proposal, as a barrage of strikes occurred shortly after Russia’s agreement to pause attacks on energy facilities. The Biden administration is advocating for a 30-day ceasefire as a preliminary step to conclude the ongoing war that has lasted three years. During a 90-minute conversation with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that a comprehensive ceasefire deal would depend on the cessation of Western military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine.
Although the conversation between Trump and Putin did not produce the anticipated ceasefire called for by Ukraine, it resulted in a commitment to pause attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. Putin has reportedly commanded his military to halt strikes against Ukraine’s power grid. Further developments include a planned exchange of 175 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, with additional talks scheduled in the Middle East. However, the Russian government insisted that a complete ceasefire would be conditioned on a total halt of Western military support to Ukraine, along with prohibiting Kyiv from rearming.
Soon after the Trump-Putin call, explosions were reported in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky noting that civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy, was targeted. Zelensky declared, “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire.” Ukrainian officials reported a missile and drone attack that led to one fatality and significant damage to hospitals. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius condemned the attacks, suggesting Putin is “playing a game” as civilian infrastructure attacks persisted despite the call’s outcome.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that Russia appears unwilling to make concessions and rejected Kremlin demands to cease arms supply to Kyiv. In Russia, emergency officials mentioned damage from a thwarted Ukrainian drone attack that ignited a fire at an oil depot. Zelensky’s sentiment echoed throughout Kyiv, as many citizens expressed their disbelief in Putin’s readiness to end the conflict.
Trump framed his dialogue with Putin positively, claiming it was productive and described agreements reached around a ceasefire for all energy and infrastructure. However, the distinction between “energy infrastructure” and a broader interpretation that includes civilian infrastructure added complexity to the situation. US envoy Steve Witkoff noted that ceasefire discussions would resume soon in Jeddah, although many details, such as a maritime ceasefire for the Black Sea, remain unresolved.
Trump addressed the challenges of securing a full ceasefire against Russia’s advantages, considering Moscow’s control of a substantial portion of Ukraine since 2014. Western allies are increasingly troubled by the potential shifts in US policy towards Ukraine, particularly in light of discord during Trump’s discussions with Zelensky. Nonetheless, British and French leaders committed to continuing military support for Ukraine, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz affirming, “Ukraine can count on us.” However, doubts linger among Ukrainian soldiers regarding the possibility of swift peace amid ongoing hostilities.
In sum, the current state of the ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia reveals a complex interplay of diplomatic efforts and military realities. While initial commitments from both sides hint at potential agreements, substantive progress remains hindered by Russia’s demands for complete cessation of Western support and ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. With continued support from Western allies for Ukraine, the viability of peace remains questionable as trust in Russian intentions is in short supply.
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