Russia strikes Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump-Putin phone conversation for ceasefire

Russian forces have launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian regions, targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas. The strikes, which occurred overnight, have resulted in damage to homes and railway networks, with reports of injuries emerging from affected areas.

According to the Kyiv regional police, 36 houses were damaged in the Bucha and Boryspil districts, while two other buildings were completely destroyed. At least two people sustained injuries in the attacks. Further reports indicate that Russian drones also hit two hospitals in the Sumy region, as well as residential and other structures in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Ukraine’s national railway service reported two strikes on its energy infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk region. No casualties were recorded in these incidents.

The attacks came just a day after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the conversation, the White House announced that both sides had agreed to initiate peace efforts, starting with a cessation of attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities. The statement also mentioned technical discussions on a potential ceasefire in the Black Sea, alongside broader negotiations for a complete halt to hostilities.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia deployed a substantial aerial assault overnight, using two ballistic missiles, four anti-aircraft guided missiles, and 145 drones of various types. Ukrainian forces intercepted 72 attack drones in multiple regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odessa. Additionally, 56 so-called “simulator drones” were neutralized without significant consequences.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Putin of effectively rejecting the ceasefire proposal. He urged the international community to respond firmly, advocating for continued sanctions against Russia, increased aid to Ukraine, and security guarantees to counter further aggression.

Zelenskyy emphasized that only a genuine cessation of strikes on civilian targets would serve as proof that Russia is serious about ending the war.

Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. Prior to the Trump-Putin call, US and Ukrainian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11, during which Kyiv agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire. However, Russia declined the proposal, signaling the complexity of securing a lasting peace.