Trump announces Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire, but Kyiv reports fresh strikes

Washington: US President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday, but the declaration was met with uncertainty in Kyiv, no immediate confirmation from Moscow and fresh reports of Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said several power facilities had been struck on Sunday, including one in the capital, Kyiv, and another in Kharkiv, causing power outages and raising questions about whether the proposed truce was being observed.

“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early on Sunday. “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”

Zelensky appeared surprised by the announcement and said he was seeking further details. He added that Ukraine supported the ceasefire but stressed that Russia must also honour it. Moscow had yet to confirm its participation.

Later, Zelensky reported continued attacks, saying Ukrainian skies had been filled with Russian Shahed drones throughout the day. The drones, originally developed by Iran, have been extensively used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing electricity and heating shortages. Ukraine, in turn, has attacked Russian oil refineries, arguing that they help finance Moscow’s war effort.

Trump’s announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, a move that drew criticism from Kyiv and several European allies, who warned that it could strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to sustain the war.

The latest developments come as the conflict in the Middle East has contributed to oil supply concerns and rising fuel prices, creating economic and political challenges for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of next month’s US midterm elections.

Western allies back energy ceasefire

The proposed energy truce received support on Sunday from several of Ukraine’s key Western allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and the European Commission. Leaders urged Russia to respect the ceasefire.

The support contrasted with the criticism that followed Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel earlier in the week, which has added to tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

Zelensky described the diesel decision as “a weak decision”, while several European allies called for greater pressure on Moscow.

Seven US senators, including four Republicans, also issued a statement on Sunday criticising the move and arguing that it was illegal.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, following a conversation with Zelensky, said the diesel decision was “in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe”.

Trump, responding to criticism on Saturday, said it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would finally bring the war to an end.

Zelensky rejected the suggestion that Ukraine’s leadership should be decided by an outside power.

Speaking to ABC News, he said: “It’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader.”

He also linked rising fuel prices to the war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the connection was widely understood.

Germany, EU and UK reaffirm support for Zelensky

Germany reiterated its support for Zelensky amid Trump’s remarks about replacing the Ukrainian president.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin continued to “fully support” Zelensky, adding that Europe needed stability and would remain alongside Ukraine and its government.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed support for the Ukrainian leader as he continued to fight for his country’s freedom.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Trump’s call for an energy truce, saying his country “strongly supports President Trump’s call today for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now”.

In Kyiv, residents also pushed back against Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine needed a new president.

“I believe our president is the best, and Americans should think about their own president,” said Olesia Goncharuk, 40.

“We Ukrainians decide our own fate and our own freedom, and we are free people,” she told AFP.

Despite the expressions of support from Western allies, uncertainty remains over the proposed energy ceasefire, with Russia yet to confirm its agreement and Ukraine reporting fresh attacks on its power infrastructure.