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Article Published on: 19TH MAR 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com
Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russia of rejecting a US-backed ceasefire proposal, hours after Moscow agreed only to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. Washington has been pushing for a full 30-day ceasefire as a step toward ending the three-year war.
However, in a 90-minute call with Donald Trump on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused, making any deal conditional on the West halting military aid to Ukraine. Despite this, Putin ordered a temporary halt to strikes on Ukrainian energy targets.
Following the call, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 175 prisoners each. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the energy truce, he sought further details from Washington.
Despite the announcement, explosions and air raid sirens were reported across Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed that civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy, was hit. Throughout the war, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities, while Ukraine has retaliated with drone strikes on Russian oil installations.