Zelensky Counters Trump Claim, Says Moscow Blocks Ceasefire Efforts
President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Kyiv does not want to end the war, arguing that Russia has refused ceasefire initiatives and responded to diplomacy with attacks. His comments came after an overnight Russian strike using 16 ballistic missiles and more than 200 drones damaged energy infrastructure and left at least 550,000 families without electricity. Zelensky said Ukraine has backed every partner effort to end the war on fair terms.
Zelensky issued his response on Telegram after Trump said Ukraine’s leader lacked interest in ending the conflict and probably never had. Trump defended waiving sanctions on Russia as part of peace negotiations, saying he did not want to push Moscow from talks. Zelensky said Kyiv has supported every ceasefire proposal and partner initiative.
The overnight assault involved 16 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones, including jet-powered Shaheds; Ukraine’s Air Force reported 269 drones overall. Strikes damaged power and other infrastructure, a clinic, a school, a metro station, and homes, cutting electricity to at least 550,000 families. Kyiv reported one death and eight injuries.
The strike’s effects may be felt most immediately by households in affected regions facing outages, and by patients, students, and commuters whose clinic, school, and metro services were damaged. If diplomatic disputes continue, public confidence in ceasefire prospects could weaken, while pressure on energy crews and emergency services may grow. The exchange between Kyiv and Washington may also shape how international audiences view responsibility for stalled peace efforts, though its practical consequences remain uncertain.