Tensions remain high in Ukraine as Russia carried out new airstrikes, despite a U.S.-brokered truce agreement. The attacks have drawn condemnation from European allies, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the deal for failing to ensure a full ceasefire.
Continued Strikes and Civilian Casualties
On Tuesday night, Russia launched six missiles and 145 combat drones at Ukraine, targeting key infrastructure and civilian areas. Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 72 drones, but all six missiles reached their targets. Zelensky reported that strikes hit hospitals and residential buildings in cities like Kyiv and Sumy, where an attack on a hospital resulted in significant damage and casualties. As reported by Linternaute, at least one person was killed and three others injured in Sumy.
Meanwhile, Ukraine retaliated by striking a Russian oil depot in the Krasnodar region, where debris from downed drones sparked a fire. Both nations continue to target each other's energy infrastructure, escalating tensions despite diplomatic efforts.
Truce Agreement and Political Reactions
The truce, negotiated between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. However, Ukraine was not included in the talks, and Zelensky dismissed the agreement as inadequate. He asserted that Russia’s continued airstrikes prove Putin’s unwillingness to agree to a full ceasefire.
European leaders expressed skepticism about the deal. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized Russia for maintaining its assaults despite the so-called “revolutionary” agreement. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also condemned Moscow’s demands, particularly its call for an end to Western military aid to Ukraine.
Uncertain Diplomatic Future
Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia are set to continue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with discussions expected to focus on military operations in the Black Sea. While Trump downplayed reports that Putin had demanded an end to U.S. military support for Ukraine, concerns remain about Washington’s shifting stance.
As the EU works to strengthen its defense policies in response to ongoing threats, Ukraine continues to rely on European military assistance. France, Germany, and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kyiv, while the European Commission prepares new initiatives to enhance the bloc’s security capabilities.
