Zelensky Says Russia Struck Energy Sites After Trump Declared an Energy Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Russian forces struck energy infrastructure after U.S. President Donald Trump declared an energy ceasefire effective immediately. Zelenskyy listed a power plant in Kharkiv, a gas production facility and a civilian gas station among the targets hit following Trump's statement.

Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" He provided no details on the terms or how the agreement was reached. A White House official later indicated the arrangement focused on oil refineries.

Zelenskyy initially described the announcement as news to him. He later said Ukraine supports a reciprocal halt and is ready to stop strikes on Russian energy sites if Russia does the same. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum via video link, he noted that Russian oil refineries were not burning overnight, but a Russian jet-powered Shahed drone hit a Ukrainian gas facility at midnight.

Russian officials have not publicly confirmed any ceasefire. The Kremlin has previously rejected broader truce proposals. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 89 Russian drones overnight into Monday. A separate drone attack on Sunday in Kharkiv killed three people and injured others at a grocery store.

This is at least the fourth time Trump has announced an energy truce since returning to office. A similar claim in September did not hold. Ukrainian officials said they first learned of the latest announcement from public statements rather than direct talks.

The announcement followed a Friday deal in which Trump said Russia would release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately to the American and global market, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and one million later. U.S. diesel prices have averaged around $6.19 per gallon. Senators from both parties have questioned the legality of easing import restrictions under a 2022 law.

Trump has criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, arguing they raise fuel costs. He has also suggested Ukraine needs a new leader. Zelenskyy responded that Ukrainians will choose their leadership and offered elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day full ceasefire that allows secure voting.

European leaders expressed support for an energy halt but skepticism about Russian compliance. EU foreign ministers adopted nearly 1,600 new sanctions listings targeting Russia's military-industrial complex on Monday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the diesel export agreement out of the question for Europe.

Ukraine's energy system remains under pressure ahead of winter. Repeated Russian strikes have damaged generation and transmission capacity. Kyiv has used long-range drones to hit Russian refining capacity, reducing Moscow's export revenue. An energy ceasefire limited to refineries would leave Ukraine's broader power grid exposed while protecting Russian oil infrastructure.

The practical effect depends on whether Moscow observes the terms Trump announced. Previous declarations have not stopped strikes. Ukrainian forces continue to report attacks on civilian energy sites. The diesel shipments, if they proceed, would add supply to a market still affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruptions from the Iran conflict.

Verification of compliance remains an open issue. Neither side has published a joint text or monitoring arrangement. The next days will show whether the announcement changes the pattern of strikes on power plants and refineries.