Zelensky Says Russia Continues Energy Strikes Despite Trump's Declared Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Russia has continued to strike Ukraine’s energy facilities even after former President Donald Trump announced that the warring countries had agreed on an energy ceasefire. Zelensky's remarks came as he spoke at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland.

Zelensky stated he learned through media reports of Trump's announcement of a deal for a mutual pause in strikes on energy sites. He expressed willingness to honor such an agreement if Moscow reciprocated, but noted, “I have not heard approval of this proposal from the Russian side.”

Trump had posted on social media Sunday that an energy ceasefire had taken effect immediately, urging both sides not to break it. However, Zelensky described Ukraine as “horribly surprised” that following Trump’s post, Russia had attacked numerous energy facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv, a gas production facility, and a civilian gas station. "It was clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not read Truth Social," Zelensky said, referring to Trump's social media platform.

This is not the first time Trump has announced a similar agreement on ceasing energy strikes that did not materialize. On September 14, he stated both countries had agreed "not to hit" each other’s energy infrastructure, though details were scarce.

Russia has historically targeted energy facilities to deny Ukrainian civilians power, heat, and water, a strategy described by Ukrainian officials as “weaponizing winter,” particularly as cold weather approaches. Ukraine, in turn, has struck Russian energy sites, such as oil refineries, leading Trump to blame Zelensky for global diesel price increases.

Zelensky indicated that Kyiv was prepared to cease striking Russian refineries if Moscow halted attacks on Ukraine's energy system. He urged Trump to press the Kremlin for agreement, adding that if Moscow does not agree to an energy ceasefire this winter, "we will respond." "This energy ceasefire can work, and it can become a major step toward ending the war," he stated.

EU Skepticism on Ceasefire

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed skepticism regarding Russia's adherence to an energy ceasefire. "We haven’t yet seen that also Russia will stick to it," Kallas said at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. She also commented, "Personally, I would also welcome that the ceasefire would include people not being killed, not only energy."

Ukrainian and European officials have voiced concerns that Trump's recent diesel deal with Putin could fund Russia's war effort. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna suggested the deal was more connected to the U.S. domestic situation than actual fuel price changes.

Kallas also addressed Trump's earlier comments suggesting it was time for Ukraine to have a new president. She stated that holding elections in Ukraine is currently impossible without a ceasefire. Zelensky echoed this, explaining that elections cannot be held under wartime conditions, especially with ongoing attacks, but that he would be ready to work towards them if a full ceasefire of at least 60 days were secured.

Russian Attacks Continue

In the Kharkiv district, a Russian drone attack on the village of Pisochyn on Sunday evening resulted in three deaths and nine injuries, including children, according to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office. The attack occurred around 7:25 p.m., hitting a densely populated area near residential buildings and stores, and causing a fire.

Ukraine's Air Force reported that on Monday night, its air defense forces intercepted or suppressed 89 out of 121 Russian drones. The total attack involved one Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missile and 121 drones, 76 of which were Shahed-type drones. Debris from downed drones fell in four locations.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 151 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, Crimea, and the Black Sea overnight. The ministry also stated that Russian forces conducted drone strikes on unspecified Ukrainian port infrastructure and a bulk carrier heading to Odesa with military cargo.