Putin Continues Strikes on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure After Trump Declares Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism over Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer of a one-day ceasefire, as Russian missiles targeted six energy sites following Trump's announcement.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated that it is "increasingly clear" Russia does not intend to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, with strikes continuing on the nation's facilities. His comments came after Russian missiles hit an oil refinery, resulting in widespread blackouts in Kyiv, and followed an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of an immediate ceasefire.
Zelensky described the ceasefire as "news to me" but indicated Ukraine would observe it if Moscow agreed. However, Russia has since launched six strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. Ukrainian officials also reported that a Russian strike on a residential building in a Kyiv suburb killed two people and injured at least seven.
"If these strikes are indeed Russia's response to the US President's statement, it means the Russians have squandered yet another opportunity to bring peace closer," Zelensky wrote on X. "A lot depends on America's position for de–escalation to actually succeed. Pressure on Russia is needed. We continue to communicate with the American side at all levels."
Earlier, Putin had offered a one-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to hold elections, which are currently suspended under martial law implemented since Russia's invasion in 2022. This offer was a brief response to Zelensky's request for a 60-day ceasefire for the same purpose. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin would order a halt to strikes on election day if Kyiv intended to hold elections then.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that Ukraine did not deserve a respite from fighting, asserting that any break would enable European allies to supply more weapons. Lavrov accused Zelensky of fabricating his surprise at Trump's announcement and employing various tactics to achieve a ceasefire.
U.S. President Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Zelensky, even threatening to cut off weapons supplies to Ukraine. A Kremlin spokesman indicated that Moscow "likes the US stance on Ukraine" following Trump's intervention. Prior to announcing the ceasefire, Trump had drawn criticism for announcing the purchase of "hundreds of thousands of tons" of Russian diesel. After Zelensky characterized this as a "gift" to Putin, Trump advised Ukraine to "get a new leader who can make a deal."
A firefighter kneels amid smoke and debris at the site of a Russian drone attack in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv. A medical worker helps an injured man at the site of a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine.