Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia attacked at least six energy facilities during overnight and morning air strikes, challenging an energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump the previous day.
Zelenskyy said the targets included a gas facility and a petrol station. Both were attacked by Russian drones, according to remarks he delivered by video link at a conference in Poland.
The Ukrainian president also said the attacks showed that Moscow was not prepared to accept the energy truce proposed by Trump. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said Russia continued to target Ukrainian people and communities with air strikes.
He further claimed that Russia appeared more interested in the possibility of earning additional money for its war effort than in accepting the proposed arrangement. The statement presented Ukraine's position on the attacks and the status of the ceasefire discussions.
What Trump's energy ceasefire involved
Trump had announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed not to attack each other's energy systems. The announcement came as rising energy prices created pressure ahead of the US midterm election next month.
The announcement followed information about an agreement to buy diesel from Russia. Zelenskyy criticised that arrangement, describing it as a retreat from the Western policy of isolating Russia's economy over several years.
Ukraine's European partners expressed doubt on Monday about the reported energy arrangement. They also voiced support for Ukraine and approved the European Union's largest sanctions package since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukraine's position on the proposed truce
Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries and logistics facilities with long-range attacks in recent months. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had not attacked a Russian refinery during the night in question.
He said Ukraine was prepared to support an energy ceasefire if Russia also followed the same approach. Zelenskyy additionally said that a 60-day full ceasefire could create the possibility of holding Ukrainian elections, which had been suspended during the war.
The proposal for a broader pause was separate from the energy-focused arrangement announced by Trump. Zelenskyy's comments linked the two issues by presenting a full ceasefire as a possible condition for restarting elections.
Russia says discussions are continuing
The Kremlin said talks about a possible energy ceasefire were still under way. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said further information would be provided at an appropriate time.
Peskov rejected Zelenskyy's proposal for a 60-day full ceasefire. The competing positions leave the reported energy arrangement under discussion, with Ukraine saying Russian attacks continued and Russia saying negotiations were ongoing.
Conclusion
Zelenskyy said Russian attacks hit at least six Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump announced an energy ceasefire. Russia said discussions continued but rejected the proposed 60-day full ceasefire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What did Zelenskyy say Russia attacked?
Zelenskyy said Russian drones targeted at least six Ukrainian energy facilities, including a gas facility and a petrol station.
Q. What ceasefire did Trump announce?
Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed not to attack each other's energy systems.
Q. What was Russia's position?
Russia said discussions about a possible energy ceasefire were continuing. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected Zelenskyy's proposal for a 60-day full ceasefire.
Q. What did Zelenskyy say about Ukraine's actions?
He said Ukraine had not attacked a Russian refinery during the night in question and was ready for an energy ceasefire if Russia followed the same approach.
Q. What did Zelenskyy say about Ukrainian elections?
He said Ukrainian elections could be held if Moscow agreed to a 60-day full ceasefire.
