Russia strikes Ukrainian infrastructure after Trump-Putin talks

Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin on March 18 that failed to reach a comprehensive ceasefire, Moscow targeted critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including an energy facility, with 150 drones.

Trump and Putin had only agreed to a 30-day suspension on striking energy infrastructure while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to talk to the U.S. president regarding the previous day’s call.

Zelenskyy said the Russians attacked transportation, medical, and civilian infrastructure. 

“Putin’s words are in stark contrast to the reality on the ground. That’s why we need defense support, particularly for our air defense systems, and continued pressure on Russia to ensure security and save lives,” he said.

Reports indicate that during their 90-minute talk, Putin had expressed support for Trump’s proposal of a 30-day mutual ceasefire that is conditional on the cessation of military aid to Ukraine. 

Putin allegedly instructed the military to follow through with the agreement.

However, just hours later, Russia fired two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, four S-300 surface-to-air missiles, and approximately 150 drones at Ukraine. 

The unmanned aerial vehicles specifically targeted the energy system of the railway network in Dnipropetrovsk region. Half the Donetsk regional town of Sloviansk was plunged into darkness overnight following the aerial attack. 

Meanwhile, Russian forces accused Ukraine of attacking an oil facility in the region of Krasnodar Krai.

Matthew Shoemaker, a former U.S. intelligence officer and national security specialist, warned that Trump risks falling into a trap set by Putin, who may use “classic Cold War-era Soviet tactics” to delay negotiations, as reported by Politico. 

“Trump risks falling into this historical trap, as Putin’s delays could allow Russia to strengthen its position militarily and politically while eroding U.S. credibility and unity with allies,” he said.

Regarding his impending call with Trump, Zelenskyy said he “we will discuss the next steps, and I’m sure I will hear more details about his conversation with Putin.” 

The Putin-Trump conversation was a continuation of the peace process that began in Saudi Arabia on March 11. Then, Ukraine agreed to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s commitment to uphold the agreement.