Wed Mar 19 04:22:27 UTC 2025: ## Ceasefire Shattered: Russia and Ukraine Trade Accusations After Drone Attacks
**Kyiv/Moscow, March 19, 2025** – A limited ceasefire agreed upon by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump following a phone call earlier today quickly unraveled as both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of launching air attacks, resulting in damaged infrastructure and sparking fires.
While Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, he refused a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy, while accepting the limited truce, urged international efforts to prevent Russia from prolonging the conflict.
Hours after the agreement, reports of attacks emerged from both sides. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, reported overnight attacks on civilian infrastructure and people. Sumy, in northeastern Ukraine, saw two hospitals damaged by Russian drone strikes, forcing evacuations but causing no injuries. A 60-year-old man was injured and several houses damaged in a drone attack near Kyiv. Zelenskyy stated that over 40 drones were launched against Ukraine.
Russia also reported a Ukrainian drone attack on an oil depot near Kavkazskaya, resulting in a small fire and the evacuation of employees. The Russian aviation watchdog temporarily suspended flights from several airports in the country’s east.
The conflicting reports paint a grim picture, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the continued violence despite diplomatic efforts. The incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.
First Piper 