Airstrikes and drone attacks pounded both Russia and Ukraine, damaging critical infrastructure just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy sites. The strikes have further escalated tensions, raising doubts about any near-term ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of launching more than 40 drones overnight, with targets including civilian areas and hospitals. He reported that a hospital in Sumy was among the sites hit, underscoring the continued toll on Ukraine’s healthcare system.
Zelensky argued that these attacks prove Putin has no real intention of de-escalating the war. He stated that Russia’s night-time strikes are crippling Ukraine’s energy sector, infrastructure, and daily life. The Ukrainian leader insisted that his country would continue to defend itself.
Meanwhile, Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks on oil depots in the southern Krasnodar region, sparking fires. The Russian defense ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 57 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 35 downed over the Kursk border region.
In Belgorod, a Russian border region frequently targeted by Ukrainian forces, officials described the situation as “difficult.” Moscow stated that its forces had repelled an attempted Ukrainian ground assault on the region.
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Putin’s call with former U.S. President Donald Trump had raised hopes for a possible ceasefire, but those hopes quickly faded. The Russian leader refused to commit to a full ceasefire, saying it would only work if Ukraine’s Western allies halted military aid. European nations have consistently rejected this demand.
Following the strikes, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not negotiate under pressure. He emphasized that his country would continue to strike back at Russian targets as long as attacks on Ukrainian territory persisted.
Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a pattern of retaliatory attacks, with Kyiv increasingly striking deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian forces have targeted oil and gas facilities, disrupting Russia’s energy production.
The destruction of energy infrastructure has been a major concern throughout the war. Last September, Zelensky reported that 80% of Ukraine’s energy sector had already been damaged by Russian attacks. The latest strikes suggest that Russia is not backing down despite earlier promises.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war will continue, with U.S. officials set to hold further talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. However, with both sides ramping up attacks, hopes for a meaningful breakthrough remain slim.
Reported by BBC
