Russia and Ukraine have both launched air attacks following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
According to reports by BBC, On Tuesday evening, US President Donald Trump and Putin held a two-hour conversation, during which Trump urged a full 30-day ceasefire. However, Putin dismissed the proposal, although the two leaders did agree to a moratorium on strikes targeting energy and infrastructure.
Despite the agreement, shortly after the call ended, air raid sirens blared in Kyiv, signaling an escalation. Around 45 drones launched attacks on areas surrounding the capital, and overnight, anti-aircraft fire echoed through the city.
BBC further reports that the situation intensified after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s joint news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö. During the Kremlin’s regular briefing, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned Ukraine for violating the proposed pause, accusing Kyiv of attempting to strike Russia’s energy infrastructure overnight.
Peskov also noted that both Putin and Trump share a mutual trust and understanding, expressing a desire to restore and normalize US-Russia relations following over three years of war in Ukraine. “Presidents Putin and Trump understand each other well, trust each other, and are committed to gradually normalizing ties,” Peskov added.
Additionally, Russia’s defense ministry accused Ukraine of deliberately provoking tensions by targeting one of its oil storage facilities.
While Putin rejected the full ceasefire proposal during his call with Trump, Zelensky announced plans to speak with the US president in the coming days to get more details about the conversation.
