Ukraine hit by blackouts after Russian strikes despite Trump’s ‘energy ceasefire’
President Donald Trump said Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an “energy ceasefire” effective immediately. Hours later, Ukraine reported new Russian strikes on power and rail infrastructure and fresh blackouts, and Moscow had not confirmed any deal.
What Trump said: Trump announced on Truth Social on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an “energy ceasefire” taking effect immediately, NPR and the BBC reported. He gave no details beyond a warning: “Do not break it!”
Kyiv and Moscow: Moscow did not confirm the agreement, the BBC reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the deal was “news to me,” but welcomed the idea as good news and said Ukraine was ready to stop striking Russian energy targets if Russia did the same, according to NPR and the BBC.
Strikes continue: Zelenskyy later said Russia kept attacking, the Guardian and BBC reported. He said glide bombs were used and a power plant in Kharkiv was hit Sunday evening, and that energy and railway infrastructure in the Zhytomyr region was targeted overnight. Grid damage left Izyum without power, Ukrinform reported, per the BBC. Grid operator Ukrenergo reported new power cuts in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, along with power rationing.
Zaporizhzhia toll rises: The death toll from Saturday’s bombing in Zaporizhzhia rose to 23, including four children, NPR reported, citing Zelenskyy and Ukrainian official Fedorov.
Reaction abroad: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a ceasefire is welcome “when it holds,” and Estonia’s foreign minister said it was “not working,” the Guardian reported. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, France, Canada and the EU expressed support for the ceasefire call, according to the same coverage.
The diesel link: The announcement comes as Trump presses Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil facilities so Russia can deliver on a diesel supply deal meant to ease U.S. fuel prices before the midterm elections, NPR and the BBC reported.