Ukraine has accused Russia of rejecting a US-backed ceasefire proposal, citing renewed strikes on civilian infrastructure just hours after Moscow agreed only to pause attacks on the energy grid. The ongoing violence raises doubts over Russia’s commitment to peace talks as Western allies continue to back Ukraine with military aid.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is open to a U.S. proposal for a more immediate ceasefire deal to halt the fighting and allow peace talks to begin. Yet Putin has suggested any such deal should not only end the fighting but "lead to lasting peace."