- Russian forces bombed Ukraine’s energy grid hours after Putin assured Trump of a temporary halt.
- Slovyansk city lost power, and medical facilities in Sumy were hit by drone attacks.
- New U.S.-Russia talks are scheduled in Jeddah to discuss ceasefire terms.
Russia’s latest airstrikes on Ukraine, including a devastating attack on Slovyansk’s energy grid, have cast doubt on Vladimir Putin’s ceasefire pledge.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, stating that verbal agreements with Putin hold no weight without concrete enforcement.
Russia’s Empty Pledge: Ceasefire Broken Within Hours
The recent escalation underscores how fragile diplomatic engagements with Russia remain. While Putin’s call with Trump was intended to showcase a commitment to de-escalation, the overnight missile strikes proved otherwise. Ukraine’s air force reported that over 145 drones and multiple missiles targeted key infrastructure, cutting power and endangering civilians. The energy sector, already under immense strain, suffered additional setbacks, further complicating the war effort.
The timing of these attacks has fueled speculation that Putin’s ceasefire promise was never genuine. Military analysts suggest that the strikes were pre-planned and that Russia is using selective de-escalation as a bargaining tool rather than a sign of real peace efforts. Meanwhile, Ukraine has vowed to retaliate, with reports indicating that its forces launched drone attacks on Russian oil depots, sparking fires and prompting evacuations.
Beyond Ukraine’s borders, global reactions have been swift. European nations have condemned the strikes, with Germany and France calling for stricter economic sanctions on Russia. The Biden administration has expressed disappointment over the broken ceasefire and is reassessing its approach to negotiations. While Trump’s involvement in diplomatic talks is seen as an attempt to restore influence, critics argue that direct engagement with Putin may embolden Moscow rather than deter aggression.
The upcoming peace talks in Jeddah are expected to focus on immediate de-escalation measures. However, with trust in Moscow at an all-time low, Ukrainian officials and their Western allies are demanding guarantees before committing to any new ceasefire agreements. The pattern of Russian military aggression, despite diplomatic engagements, suggests that Ukraine and its allies must remain cautious while pursuing any negotiated settlements.
The latest developments highlight the challenges of negotiating with Russia, as Putin’s commitments continue to be undermined by military actions. As peace talks resume, the focus remains on ensuring that any agreements reached are enforceable and not just empty words.
“You can’t negotiate peace with someone who refuses to keep their word.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
