Russia has refused to agree to a ceasefire, escalating tensions between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine is intensifying its efforts to bring Russia to the negotiation table in hopes of ending the ongoing conflict. A phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place on Tuesday, but it yielded no agreement on a ceasefire. Shortly after the call, air raid sirens blared across Kyiv, followed by explosions that forced residents to seek shelter.
The attacks were part of a series of strikes that hit civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Notably, a direct drone strike targeted a hospital in Sumy, causing significant damage. Other cities in the Donetsk region also came under attack, highlighting the widespread nature of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a statement urging restraint, assuring that Ukraine would not retaliate against Russian facilities if Russia ceased its attacks on Ukrainian targets.
“If the Russians don’t hit our facilities, we definitely won’t hit theirs,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Despite these assurances, Russian air defenses reported intercepting 57 Ukrainian drones over the Azov Sea and various Russian regions. The Russian Defense Ministry described the drone activity as a provocation from Kyiv, suggesting it was an attempt to derail peace efforts.
“It is absolutely clear that we are talking about yet another provocation deliberately concocted by the Kyiv regime, aimed at derailing the peace initiatives of the U.S. president,” – Russian Defense Ministry
The refusal by President Putin to back a full 30-day ceasefire during discussions with Trump has complicated diplomatic efforts. Explosions in Kyiv and attacks on civilian areas have raised alarm and urgency in resolving the conflict.
Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over the lack of reciprocity from Russia, emphasizing that his country remains open to negotiation. He is expected to engage in further discussions with Trump later in the day to explore possible diplomatic solutions following Trump's conversation with Putin.
“Even last night, after Putin’s conversation with … Trump, when Putin said that he was allegedly giving orders to stop strikes on Ukrainian energy, there were 150 drones launched overnight, including on energy facilities,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated that there has been no reciprocal gesture from Ukraine to de-escalate tensions.
“Unfortunately, we see that for now there is no reciprocity on the part of the Kyiv regime,” – Dmitry Peskov
The ongoing conflict has left civilians in dire circumstances, with critical infrastructure and hospitals bearing the brunt of the hostilities. The international community continues to watch closely as diplomatic efforts unfold, hopeful for a resolution that could prevent further escalation.
