Zelenskyy Dismisses Putin’s Ceasefire Pledge as Russian Strikes Persist/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Russia would halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, calling it contradictory to reality. Just hours after Trump and Putin’s ceasefire discussion, 150 drones targeted Ukrainian cities, including a hospital in Sumy. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of striking a Russian pipeline in response. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy plans to speak with Trump to discuss next steps in the ceasefire negotiations.
Zelenskyy Rejects Putin’s Ceasefire Claims as Russian Attacks Persist: Quick Looks
- Putin vowed to stop targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but overnight Russian drone attacks hit multiple cities.
- Ukraine reported 150 drone strikes, with attacks on civilian areas and a hospital in Sumy.
- Kremlin accused Ukraine of striking an oil transfer facility in Russia’s Krasnodar region.
- Zelenskyy plans to discuss the ceasefire talks with Trump following his call with Putin.
- Finland’s president called on Russia to accept the ceasefire “without conditions.”
Zelenskyy: Putin’s Ceasefire Claims Contradict Reality as Russia Continues Strikes
Putin’s Pledge to Halt Attacks Falls Apart Overnight
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Moscow would stop targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, arguing that reality tells a different story.
Just hours after Putin’s ceasefire discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine was hit by a massive wave of Russian drone strikes. According to Zelenskyy, 150 drones were launched overnight, targeting several Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
Russia Accused of Breaking Ceasefire Promises
Speaking at a news conference in Helsinki, Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s continued aggression, despite Putin’s verbal commitments.
“Even last night, after Putin’s conversation with Trump, there were 150 drones launched overnight, including on energy facilities,” Zelenskyy said.
The attacks came as Trump and Putin held a lengthy phone conversation on Tuesday, discussing a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Washington hopes could lead to an end to the war.
The White House described the Trump-Putin call as a ‘movement to peace’, but Putin has not backed down from his demands, which include Ukraine renouncing NATO aspirations and ceding territory currently occupied by Russian forces.
Russia Claims Ukraine Attacked Its Oil Facility
Following the attacks on Ukraine, the Kremlin accused Kyiv of launching a strike on Russian territory.
Moscow reported that three Ukrainian drones struck an oil transfer facility in the Krasnodar region, damaging equipment connected to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. The Russian Defense Ministry labeled it a “deliberate provocation” meant to disrupt peace talks.
“Unfortunately, we see that for now there is no reciprocity on the part of the Kyiv regime,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Ukraine’s Response: No Ceasefire Without Action
Zelenskyy, however, insisted that words alone won’t bring peace.
“If the Russians don’t hit our facilities, we definitely won’t hit theirs,” Zelenskyy said.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Ukraine is skeptical of Putin’s intentions, particularly when it comes to potential territorial concessions.
“For us, the red line is the recognition of the Ukrainian temporarily occupied territories as Russian,” Zelenskyy said. “We will not go for it.”
Finland Calls for Unconditional Ceasefire
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who hosted Zelenskyy in Helsinki, urged Russia to accept a ceasefire without preconditions.
“There are only two ways to respond to the proposal of the U.S. president: yes or no—no buts, no conditions,” Stubb said.
Stubb emphasized that if Russia refuses the ceasefire, Western support for Ukraine should increase, along with pressure on Moscow to bring it to the negotiation table.
Key Developments in the War
- Russia launched 150 drones overnight, targeting Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and other regions.
- A hospital in Sumy was hit, adding to the rising toll on civilians.
- Moscow accused Ukraine of attacking an oil transfer facility in Russia’s Krasnodar region.
- Zelenskyy will speak with Trump to discuss next steps after Trump’s call with Putin.
- Finland urged Russia to accept a ceasefire without conditions.
What’s Next?
With Ukraine and its allies skeptical of Russia’s promises, the ceasefire negotiations remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s upcoming conversation with Trump may provide further clarity on Washington’s next moves in pushing for a resolution.
For now, Ukraine remains on high alert as Russian attacks continue despite diplomatic efforts.
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