Russia Violates Limited Ceasefire Hours After Agreement
MOSCOW, Russia - 19 March 2025
Within hours of Russian President Vladimir Putin agreeing to a limited ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian forces launched drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, undermining the nascent truce.
On 18 March, Presidents Trump and Putin consented to a 30-day moratorium on attacks targeting energy infrastructure. However, shortly after the agreement, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv, and approximately 45 drones attacked regions around the capital. Anti-aircraft fire was audible across Kyiv overnight, with authorities reporting damage to houses and cars in areas surrounding the city.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that Putin's pledge to halt strikes on energy infrastructure was "very much at odds with reality" following the drone attacks. He announced plans to speak with President Trump to discuss the situation further.
The international community has reacted with concern, emphasizing the need for adherence to ceasefire agreements to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
The swift violation of the limited ceasefire underscores the fragility of agreements in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The international community continues to call for restraint and a renewed commitment to peace negotiations to prevent further loss of life and humanitarian suffering.
Image: Kremlin/Wikimedia Commons
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