Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of "effectively rejecting" US-backed ceasefire proposals after fresh strikes targeted civilian infrastructure. During a 90-minute call with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities but refused a full ceasefire unless the West halted all military aid.
Shortly after the call, air raid sirens sounded, and explosions were reported across Ukraine. Zelenskyy later confirmed strikes in civilian areas, stating in a post on X that a hospital in Sumy was hit. "Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire," he wrote.
According to the Kremlin, Putin has ordered a 30-day suspension of strikes on Ukrainian energy sites. However, he maintained that the "key condition" for peace remains the "complete cessation" of Western military and intelligence support to Ukraine’s forces. The Kremlin also stressed that Kyiv must not rearm or mobilize during the ceasefire period.
Zelenskyy, who had previously accepted a full ceasefire proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia, criticized Russia’s reluctance to commit to an agreement. "They are not ready to end this war, and we can see that."
Following the Kremlin’s statement, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine with military aid. "Ukraine can count on us," Scholz said.
