Russia, Ukraine trade accusations of infrastructure attacks

19/3/2025 11:58

Russia and Ukraine accused each other early on Wednesday of launching air attacks that sparked fires and damaged infrastructure just hours after President Vladimir Putin agreed to a limited ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine.



Putin agreed to temporarily stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities but declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire, coming well short of what U.S. President Donald Trump sought as the first step toward a permanent peace deal.



Zelenskiy, who had agreed to the full 30-day ceasefire, said after the Putin-Trump call that he would support the limited ceasefire, but urged the world to block any attempts by Moscow to drag out the war.



Hours later both sides reported attacks.



Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said overnight on Telegram, "Russia is attacking civilian infrastructure and people - right now."



Regional authorities in Sumy in northeast Ukraine said that Russia's drone attacks damaged two hospitals there, causing no injuries but forcing the evacuation of patients and hospital staff.