Russia and Ukraine carried out airstrikes damaging key infrastructure just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of targeting civilian sites, including hospitals and power supplies, despite Putin’s commitment. He claimed the Russian leader effectively dismissed a full ceasefire proposal during his conversation with former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

During the call, Putin stated that a ceasefire could only be achieved if Ukraine's Western allies ceased military support—an ultimatum previously rejected by European nations.

In Russia’s Krasnodar region, officials reported a Ukrainian drone strike igniting a small fire at an oil depot. Meanwhile, in Sumy, Ukraine, a hospital and other civilian infrastructure were struck in overnight attacks, according to Zelensky.

“Russia launched more than 40 drones in the hours following the Putin-Trump call, targeting our energy sector and disrupting daily life,” Zelensky said. “Putin has clearly rejected a full ceasefire.”

The Russian defense ministry claimed to have intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 35 over the Kursk region. In Belgorod, a Russian border region, local authorities described the situation as “challenging,” citing a repelled Ukrainian ground assault.

Despite speculation of a broader ceasefire, Putin agreed only to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, refusing to commit to a month-long truce previously discussed by Trump’s team in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, US-led talks on Ukraine are set to resume in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, according to US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Since last September, Zelensky reported that around 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been damaged by Russian strikes, while Kyiv continues retaliatory drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory, particularly targeting oil and gas facilities.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1212 HRS, March 19, 2025
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