- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that Russia has continued to strike Ukraine's energy facilities even after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the warring countries had agreed on an energy ceasefire.
- Trump's brief social media post on Sunday claimed the energy ceasefire took effect immediately, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov would not say whether Russia had agreed, stating only that contacts were ongoing.
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine was 'horribly surprised' when, after Trump's announcement, Russia struck numerous energy facilities including a power plant in Kharkiv, a gas production facility, and a civilian gas station.
- European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the prospect of a pause in energy strikes but said she sees no sign Russia would respect it, adding that she would welcome a ceasefire that includes people not being killed, not only energy.
- Trump previously announced a similar agreement on ceasing energy strikes that did not come to fruition, and Russia has used attacks on energy facilities to deny Ukrainian civilians power, heat, and running water during the war.
- Zelenskyy said holding elections in Ukraine was impossible during wartime, but he would be ready to work towards doing so if Ukraine secured a full ceasefire lasting at least 60 days; Peskov responded that Putin would halt strikes 'specifically on election day' and accused Kyiv of wanting a 60-day ceasefire to gather strength and continue the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disbelief over Russia's ongoing strikes on energy facilities, despite Donald Trump's claim of a ceasefire. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine was 'horribly surprised' by the attacks following Trump's announcement, which he learned about through media reports.1256131415
Zelenskyy stated, “We support it, but I have not heard approval of this proposal from the Russian side,” indicating Ukraine's willingness to honor a ceasefire if Russia reciprocates. Trump’s post claimed the ceasefire took effect immediately, urging, “Do not break it!” However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remained noncommittal, stating, “Contacts are ongoing.”34
Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia's attacks aim to deprive Ukrainian civilians of essential services, stating, “It was clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not read Truth Social,” referring to Trump's platform. He warned that if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire this winter, “we will respond.”
The EU's top diplomat welcomed the idea of a pause in strikes but expressed skepticism about Russia's compliance, saying, “We haven’t yet seen that also Russia will stick to it.” Zelenskyy also mentioned the impossibility of holding elections during wartime, but would consider it if a ceasefire of at least 60 days was secured.
In response, Peskov stated that Putin would halt strikes on election day, suggesting Ukraine's request for a ceasefire was merely a tactic to regroup.
“Zelenskyy said Ukraine was 'horribly surprised' when Russia hit a Kharkiv power plant, a gas production facility, and a civilian gas station after Trump's Sunday post. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the pause but said she sees no sign Russia would respect it.”
AP News
