Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky evaluated on the 18th (local time) that Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively rejected the U.S.'s proposal for a complete ceasefire.
According to Reuters and AFP, President Zelensky said in a post on Telegram that he condemned Russia's use of over 40 drones to attack Ukraine overnight.
President Zelensky noted, “Russia’s sophisticated nighttime attacks have destroyed our energy system, our infrastructure, and the ordinary lives of Ukrainians.” He added, “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a complete ceasefire. The world must reject Putin’s attempt to prolong the war.”
President Trump and President Putin agreed in a currency about pushing for a 'partial ceasefire' to halt mutual attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities for 30 days. However, the '30-day complete ceasefire' proposal previously suggested by the U.S. was rejected.
Moreover, there was a difference in perception regarding the targets of the cessation of attacks in the announcements from Russia and the U.S. Russia referred to the 30-day partial ceasefire as a ceasefire on 'energy infrastructure,' while the U.S. stated it was a ceasefire on 'energy and infrastructure.'
Meanwhile, shortly after the call between President Trump and President Putin, air raid sirens and explosions continued in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. According to AFP, authorities advised residents to seek shelter due to the threat of Russian airstrikes.
President Zelensky stated in a post on Telegram, “There were attacks, particularly targeting civilian facilities,” mentioning that one hospital was hit.