Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of a proposed 30-day ceasefire, calling it “effectively rejected” and warning that Moscow is not ready to end the war. The ceasefire was offered by Ukraine last week.
Putin had told US President Donald Trump during a phone call that Russia would halt strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid and infrastructure. However, after the call, Russian air raid sirens sounded in Ukraine, with explosions reported and power infrastructure damaged.
Zelenskyy stated that more than 40 Russian drones were launched against Ukraine, causing damage to civilian infrastructure. He reiterated that he supports stopping strikes on energy targets but needs further information from Washington.
Ukraine’s troops have been attacking along the border with Russia’s Belgorod region, which led to clashes between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces were pushed back by Russian forces.
In other news, a drone attack in southern Russia set fire to an oil complex near the village of Kavkazskaya. Russian authorities have suspended flights from airports hundreds of kilometers east of Moscow due to reports of drone attacks.
Olaf Scholz, Germany’s outgoing chancellor, called ending Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure a “good start” but emphasized that a complete ceasefire is necessary. France also supports a comprehensive agreement without Ukraine taking part in talks.
The Kremlin announced plans to exchange 175 prisoners of war with Ukraine and hand over 23 wounded soldiers. US envoy Steve Witkoff said more talks with Russia would take place on Sunday in Jeddah.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/19/ukraine-war-briefing-russian-drone-strikes-immediately-follow-trump-putin-talks