Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure continued on Sunday, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting strikes on power facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire.
Zelensky said a Russian drone struck a power plant in Kyiv, resulting in electricity outages in the Ukrainian capital. He also reported an attack on the CHP-5 power plant in Kharkiv, while describing Ukrainian airspace as being “infested with Russian ‘shaheds’ all day.”
The reported strikes raised questions about the status of the ceasefire announced by Trump, who said both countries had agreed to stop targeting each other’s energy infrastructure. Neither Kyiv nor Moscow had immediately confirmed that a formal agreement had been reached or that a halt in attacks had taken effect.
Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to observe the proposed arrangement but stressed that Russia would also have to commit to it.
“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well,” he said after speaking with the leaders of Canada and Finland, as well as representatives of NATO.
The Ukrainian president’s comments followed his earlier expression of surprise at Trump’s announcement. Zelensky indicated that he needed further details about the proposed agreement, including when it would begin and what arrangements would govern its implementation.
The uncertainty comes amid wider diplomatic tensions between Washington and Kyiv over US policy towards Russia. A diesel supply arrangement involving the United States and Russia had drawn criticism from Zelensky, who described the decision as weak.
Trump had also suggested that it was time for Ukraine to choose a new president. Zelensky responded that the decision on Ukraine’s leadership belonged to the Ukrainian people.
The dispute has unfolded as Ukraine continues to seek international support against Russian attacks and as Western governments consider how best to pursue an end to the conflict.
Germany, the European Union and France reaffirmed their support for Zelensky and Ukraine, according to the account provided.
An energy ceasefire could reduce damage to power plants and other critical facilities if both sides comply. However, continued reports of strikes and the absence of public confirmation from Russia leave the proposed arrangement uncertain.
For Ukrainians affected by electricity disruptions, the immediate concern remains the security of essential infrastructure. Whether the announcement leads to a sustained reduction in attacks will depend on the positions taken by Moscow and Kyiv and the terms of any agreement they ultimately confirm.
