Putin Agrees to Pause Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Facilities, Rejects Full Ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but declined a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The partial truce follows a lengthy call between the two leaders, with Trump aiming for broader peace negotiations.

Ukraine welcomed the energy ceasefire but criticized Putin’s refusal to commit to a complete halt in hostilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted that Russia continues to launch drone strikes, including attacks on a hospital in Sumy and Kyiv’s surrounding region.

Trump described the call as "great," but experts suggest Russia is stalling while advancing in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized concerns that a temporary truce could allow Ukraine to rearm, reiterating its demand for an end to Western military aid. Trump, however, stated that U.S. support for Ukraine was not discussed.

The White House confirmed that peace talks will begin in the Middle East, focusing on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a broader peace deal. It remains unclear if Ukraine will be involved. Trump hinted that future agreements could involve territorial concessions and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

European leaders expressed concerns over Trump’s lenient approach, warning that Russia has ramped up its military production for potential conflicts with European democracies. While Germany and France welcomed the limited ceasefire, they insisted Ukraine must be part of any final peace deal.

With Russian forces advancing and Western allies uneasy about shifting U.S. policies, the war’s future remains uncertain. Putin maintains that NATO expansion threatens Russia and insists on keeping occupied Ukrainian territories.