In a new chapter of escalating tensions, Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone attacks shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin tentatively agreed to stop targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The agreement came as part of a phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump, but both sides quickly resumed their military operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched approximately 40 drones at Ukraine overnight, hitting civilian targets, including a hospital. Despite the proposed limited ceasefire, Zelenskyy accused Russia of rejecting the offer, highlighting that Putin declined to back a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US. Moscow insisted that Western military aid to Ukraine must be halted before such a ceasefire could be fully implemented.
The attacks continued swiftly after the phone call, with Ukrainian infrastructure, including the railway system in the Dnipropetrovsk region, suffering power outages due to Russian drone strikes. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone caused a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai.
In a move to foster peace, both countries agreed to a prisoner swap of 175 individuals. Despite ongoing attacks, both Russia and Ukraine remain open to dialogue. The US, which facilitated the call between Putin and Trump, remains involved in diplomatic discussions, although the issue of military aid continues to create friction. Trump has denied claims that Putin demanded an end to foreign support for Ukraine.
The diplomatic process is set to continue, with a new round of talks planned for Sunday in Saudi Arabia. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, are expected to lead the discussions. The situation remains tense, with both Russia and Ukraine maintaining their positions on key issues.