In a recent development, Moscow and Kyiv seemed to have reached a significant breakthrough after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a narrow ceasefire. This decision followed a call between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump also engaged in a "very good" conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aiming to align Russia and Ukraine regarding their respective requests and needs. However, the truce, which was approved by Putin on Tuesday, already appears tenuous as both Moscow and Kyiv report ongoing hostilities. The precarious situation underscores the fragile trust between the conflicting parties.
The ceasefire, which spans 30 days and focuses solely on energy facilities, does not extend to other infrastructure. Regional authorities in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region reported damage to local hospital buildings from "massive air attacks" by Russian drones. These reports highlight the ongoing tension and challenge the sincerity of the ceasefire efforts.
"We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure," said President Trump.
Despite the agreement, doubts persist about Moscow's commitment to peace, even under Washington's mediation. Analysts from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions.
"The persistence of Putin's demands for Ukraine's capitulation demonstrates that Putin is not interested in good-faith negotiations to pursue Trump's stated goal of achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine," stated the Institute for the Study of War.
Moscow has continued to demand Ukraine surrender four regions that were illegally annexed during the conflict. Meanwhile, Kyiv hesitates to make territorial concessions, instead seeking security guarantees. This ongoing discord has stalled progress, even as the U.S. and Ukraine have agreed upon ceasefire terms, contingent on Russia's participation.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, hostilities resumed within hours, prompting Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to remark on Kyiv's lack of reciprocity toward the 30-day ceasefire. As fighting continues, the damage inflicted by night raids persists, as pointed out by Zelenskyy.
"It is such night attacks by Russia that destroy our energy, our infrastructure, the normal life of Ukrainians. And the fact that this night was no exception indicates that we must continue to put pressure on Russia for the sake of peace," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The narrow ceasefire is intended as a preliminary step toward de-escalation in a conflict that has severely impacted Ukraine for over three years. However, with ongoing aggression and mistrust between the parties, achieving lasting peace remains uncertain.