Kyiv, March 20 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of "effectively rejecting" US-backed ceasefire proposals after fresh strikes targeted civilian infrastructure. During a 90-minute call with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities but refused a full ceasefire unless the West halted all military aid.

Shortly after the call, air raid sirens sounded, and explosions were reported across Ukraine. Zelenskyy later confirmed strikes in civilian areas, stating in a post on X that a hospital in Sumy was hit. "Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire," he wrote.

According to the Kremlin, Putin has ordered a 30-day suspens...