KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that Russia has persisted in attacking Ukraine's energy facilities despite a recent claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that an energy ceasefire had been agreed upon between the two warring nations. Trump's assertion came on Sunday, but Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine had learned about the proposed ceasefire through media reports rather than direct communication.
During his address at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to honor an energy ceasefire, provided that Russia reciprocated. He remarked, “We support it, but I have not heard approval of this proposal from the Russian side.” The situation became increasingly confusing after Trump's brief announcement, which lacked detailed information yet asserted that the ceasefire took effect immediately with a warning to “Do not break it!”
Following Trump's announcement, Zelenskyy noted the dismay in Ukraine as Russian strikes hit numerous energy installations, including a power plant in Kharkiv and a civilian gas station. He quipped, “It was clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not read Truth Social,” referencing Trump's social media platform.
Energy attacks have resulted in suffering for both Ukraine and Russia. Trump had previously attempted to broker a similar ceasefire on September 14, in which he claimed both nations agreed to avoid targeting each other's energy infrastructure, but that proposal also failed to materialize. Russia has strategically targeted Ukrainian energy facilities to deprive civilians of essential services, part of a strategy described by Ukrainian officials as “weaponizing winter.” There are concerns that such attacks may intensify as the colder months approach.
On the offensive side, Ukraine has also targeted Russian energy sites, with strikes occasionally penetrating deep into Russian territory. Trump's recent accusations have placed some blame on Zelenskyy for rising U.S. diesel prices, suggesting a deal with Putin for diesel imports from Russia to mitigate fuel costs ahead of U.S. midterm elections.
Zelenskyy indicated that Kyiv would comply with Trump's request to cease strikes on Russian refineries if Russia halted its offensives against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He urged Trump to press the Kremlin on this matter, warning that if Russia refused to agree to an energy ceasefire this winter, "we will respond." Zelenskyy expressed hope that the ceasefire could play a significant role in concluding the war.
Meanwhile, the European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the prospect of halting energy strikes but expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to adhere to such an agreement. She emphasized that any ceasefire should also aim to stop fatalities, not just energy infrastructure attacks.
Trump's deal with Putin to purchase diesel from Russia faced criticism from various quarters, with a bipartisan group of six U.S. senators calling for an immediate reversal of the agreement. They argued that providing Russia financial support while it continues to assault Ukrainian civilians is unacceptable.
Kallas also challenged Trump's assertion that Ukraine should elect a new president, asserting that elections should not occur amidst wartime conditions without a ceasefire. Zelenskyy supported this view, stating that organizing elections in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict was unfeasible, though he could consider it if a definitive ceasefire lasting at least 60 days was established.
In response to the situation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that if Ukraine decided to hold elections, Putin would consider suspending strikes on that specific day. He implied that Ukraine's call for a 60-day ceasefire was merely a tactical move to regain strength to continue the conflict.
The ongoing conflict has seen further casualties, with two injuries reported from Russian strikes in Kyiv, while a separate drone attack in Kharkiv resulted in three deaths and nine injuries, including children. Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted a majority of the attacking Russian drones, though strikes were reported at 15 locations across Ukraine.
As hostilities continue, Russian Defense Ministry reports indicated interceptions of Ukrainian drones over Russian territories and ongoing strikes targeting Ukrainian port infrastructure. The situation remains tense, with both sides preparing for further escalation.
