Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of halting attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, calling them “very much at odds with reality” after a series of overnight drone strikes ravaged several Ukrainian cities.

Russian Strikes Defy Putin’s Pledge

Zelenskyy, speaking at a press conference in Helsinki alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, expressed frustration over Russia’s continued assault. According to him, Russia launched 150 drones targeting key energy infrastructure just hours after Putin reportedly assured former U.S. President Donald Trump that he had ordered a stop to such strikes.

Despite the claims of a ceasefire, Ukraine’s air defense systems were overwhelmed, as drone attacks hit Kyiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Poltava, and other regions. Among the hardest-hit areas was a hospital in Sumy, which suffered direct drone strikes, causing extensive damage and civilian casualties.

Trump and Putin’s Ceasefire Call: A Step Towards Peace?

The White House described Trump and Putin’s phone call as the “first step” in a potential peace process. Washington is pushing for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, hoping it will lead to a broader agreement.

However, there has been no sign of Putin backing down from his conditions for peace, which Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. One of the biggest points of contention remains Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any deal that recognizes Russian occupation of its territories.

“For us, the red line is the recognition of the Ukrainian temporarily occupied territories as Russian. We will not go for it.” – Zelenskyy

Ukraine Responds to Russian Aggression

Ukrainian forces retaliated by launching drone strikes over Russian territory, with reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry stating that 57 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the Azov Sea and several Russian provinces including Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, and Tula.

Meanwhile, in Russia’s Krasnodar region, a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly caused a fire at an oil depot. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in drone warfare across multiple fronts.

Kyiv on High Alert as Air Raid Sirens Sound

Shortly after the Trump-Putin call, air raid sirens blared across Kyiv, signaling another wave of Russian airstrikes. Explosions rocked several districts, forcing residents into underground shelters. Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept some drones, but many struck civilian areas, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Zelenskyy has urged the international community, especially the United States and NATO, to provide additional military aid and air defense systems to counter Russia’s relentless aerial attacks.

Future of the Peace Process: Uncertain Road Ahead

While Washington remains hopeful about a possible ceasefire, Ukraine remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions. The ongoing strikes suggest that Russia is not ready to de-escalate, and Ukraine is determined to resist any territorial concessions.

With Trump’s involvement in the negotiations, there is speculation about a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy continues to push for unwavering Western support and insists that any peace agreement must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The coming weeks will be crucial as diplomatic efforts continue, but the battlefield realities paint a grim picture. With continuous airstrikes, civilian casualties, and escalating military confrontations, a lasting peace agreement remains uncertain.

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