Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy sites, both Russia and Ukraine launched fresh attacks targeting each other’s infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of hitting hospitals and civilian facilities, asserting that Putin had effectively rejected a comprehensive ceasefire during his call with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Putin reportedly told Trump that a full ceasefire would only be possible if Ukraine’s allies stopped supplying military aid—an idea that European nations have previously dismissed.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes triggered a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region. Zelensky reported that Russia carried out more than 40 drone strikes overnight, targeting civilian areas, including a hospital in Sumy. Footage from Sumy showed a hospital wing reduced to rubble, though officials reported no casualties.
The Russian defense ministry stated that it intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 35 over the Kursk border region. In Belgorod, another Russian border region, authorities described the situation as “difficult” after an alleged Ukrainian ground assault was repelled.
Despite ongoing hostilities, the two nations exchanged 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday. Additionally, Ukraine secured the release of 22 severely wounded soldiers.
Putin declined to endorse a full ceasefire, agreeing only to halt energy infrastructure strikes. His stance contrasts with a month-long truce proposal negotiated by Trump’s team in Saudi Arabia. The Kremlin confirmed that discussions between Russia and the U.S. will continue, with upcoming meetings expected to be scheduled soon.
Further diplomatic talks on Ukraine are set for Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Meanwhile, both sides continue their strategic attacks, with Ukraine persistently targeting Russian oil and gas facilities in response to Moscow’s relentless bombing campaign.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgezypn3nzo