Russia launched kamikaze drones and S-300 missiles against Ukraine overnight, following Vladimir Putin’s earlier conversation with Donald Trump in which Putin agreed to a partial and temporary ceasefire. Despite Trump’s request for a full 30-day ceasefire, Putin refused to commit entirely, though both leaders agreed not to strike energy and infrastructure targets. However, shortly after their call, air raid sirens were triggered in Kyiv, and nearly 45 drones hit the capital’s surrounding areas, causing damage to houses, cars, and injuring two people. Additionally, a drone struck a hospital in Sumy, forcing the evacuation of over 100 patients, and one civilian death was reported in a nearby village. Zelenskyy acknowledged the ongoing attacks from Russia and confirmed Ukraine’s continuation of long-range drone strikes on Russian territory. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that further negotiations would begin on Sunday concerning the agreed terms. Meanwhile, Trump expressed satisfaction with his conversation with Putin, describing it as “very good and productive.” The discussions face the challenge of Western concerns that Trump might pressure Ukraine into a potentially unfavorable deal, amid varying levels of support for ending the conflict.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/19/russia-attacks-ukraine-hours-after-partial-ceasefire-agreed-putin-trump-call