Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for “effectively rejecting” a US-backed ceasefire agreement after renewed shelling of civilian targets. In spite of a 90-minute call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, Russia declined an unconditional ceasefire but only agreed to a 30-day pause in attacks on Ukraine’s energy targets.
Soon after the appeal, air raid sirens sounded throughout Ukraine, and blasts were heard in several areas. Zelensky confirmed on X that there was a hit at a hospital in Sumy when he said, “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire.”
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Putin’s Conditions for Peace
The Kremlin insisted that a general ceasefire would be feasible only if Western countries ended military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine. Putin’s administration reaffirmed that Kyiv should not rearm or mobilize during the temporary halt of energy strikes.
While Moscow demanded that Ukraine’s military forces desist from operations during any ceasefire, Zelensky stood his ground. “They are not willing to finish this war, and we can see that,” he stated. He also assured that Ukrainian troops would maintain military activities in Russia’s Kursk province “as long as we need.”
Washington’s Ceasefire Push and Global Reaction
Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has been making direct overtures to Russia, boasting of an “understanding” with Putin. His unannounced decision to hold talks has caused alarm among US allies that Washington’s approach to the Ukraine conflict may change.
Following the Kremlin’s declaration of the temporary moratorium on energy strikes, Trump called his telephone conversation with Putin “good and productive.” The White House similarly characterized it but reaffirmed its desire for a wider ceasefire accord.
European leaders, however, reaffirmed military aid to Ukraine, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron speaking out. “Ukraine can count on us,” Scholz said, expressing doubt regarding Russia’s motives.
Frontline Soldiers and Western Allies Hesitant
On the ground, Ukrainian soldiers were not about to go soft on Moscow’s intentions. “How could you trust somebody who shoots you and kills people, including kids?” asked Oleksandr, a 35-year-old infantryman who continued training in Donetsk after recovering from fighting wounds.
Moscow, meanwhile, blamed Ukraine for trying to derail peace talks. Russian authorities said that Ukrainian troops attacked the Belgorod region but were driven back, presenting it as a move to sabotage Trump-Putin talks.
As Trump presses on with his campaign vow to bring the war to an end, his strategy represents a significant departure from past US policy. His direct confrontation with Putin and strained interactions with Zelensky have raised questions about America’s long-term position on the war.
