Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of violating an “energy ceasefire” announced by U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend. Zelensky stated that Moscow launched a targeted strike on a power plant in Kharkiv shortly after the ceasefire was declared.
Trump made the announcement on Sunday, describing a mutual agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt energy hostilities. Zelensky indicated that Kyiv had not been informed about the agreement in advance and expressed skepticism about Moscow’s commitment to the ceasefire.
“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!” Trump declared on social media on Sunday morning.
In response to the attacks, Zelensky said Ukraine would abide by the agreement as long as Russia did the same. “We agree if they agree, and we have already shown that we mean it,” he stated during a video link at the Warsaw Security Forum. The Ukrainian leader noted that while Russian oil refineries had not been operational, a drone attack by Russia on a gas production facility in Ukraine occurred around midnight.
CNN has requested clarification from the White House regarding the details of the agreement and potential next steps. The Kremlin responded to queries about Trump and Zelensky’s comments by stating that “contacts are ongoing,” without further elaboration. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “I have nothing to add on this subject.”
Following the ceasefire announcement, Zelensky communicated with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He emphasized Ukraine’s support for the ceasefire, calling for Russia’s compliance as well. “For our part, Ukraine always FULLY supports steps toward de-escalation,” he wrote on X on Sunday.
Controversy Over U.S.-Russia Diesel Deal
The ceasefire announcement comes amid backlash over a controversial deal Trump reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply markets with Russian diesel fuel. Seven senators from both parties have urged the administration to abandon the deal, arguing it contradicts a law that prohibits Russian energy imports to the U.S.
In response to the criticism, Trump suggested that Ukraine needs a new leader capable of negotiating a deal. Zelensky firmly rejected the idea of fresh elections in Ukraine while the conflict persists, stating, “From a security standpoint, that’s completely impossible.” He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in an interview on ABC News earlier that same day, mentioning that he would consider halting attacks on Russian diesel in exchange for peace.
Zelensky reported ongoing strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since Trump’s announcement, including in the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, asserting that violations of the ceasefire were evident. “It is clear that Putin does not read Truth Social,” he remarked, referencing Trump’s social media platform.
A source close to Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine refrained from attacking Russian oil refineries while waiting for more details about the ceasefire from the United States.
