KYIV, UKRAINE — Russia continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Sunday, October 11, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to question whether a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump had been agreed with Moscow.
Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire, declaring it effective immediately. However, he provided no details about its terms, and Moscow had not publicly confirmed the agreement at the time of the reports.
Zelensky said Ukraine supported the proposal but was still waiting for clarification from Washington.
In his nightly video address, the Ukrainian president reported that Russian forces had continued launching drones and aerial bombs against energy infrastructure, including a combined heating and power plant in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
He said the attacks demonstrated the need for Russia to commit to the proposed ceasefire rather than leave the announcement without practical effect.
Kharkiv Energy Facility Hit
Zelensky said Russian attacks had struck the energy system in Kharkiv, raising concerns about electricity and heating supplies as Ukraine approaches the colder months.
The Ukrainian president also reported more than 200 strikes on electricity-generating capacity during the preceding week and 17 attacks on oil and gas installations.
The figures were based on statements by Ukrainian authorities and were not independently verified in the reports.
Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of targeting energy infrastructure during the war, warning that damage to power stations and other facilities could disrupt electricity, heating and essential services for civilians.
The latest reported strikes came as Ukrainian authorities sought to protect critical infrastructure ahead of winter, when demand for heating and electricity typically increases.
Zelensky Demands Reciprocal Action
Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to stop attacks on Russian energy installations if Moscow halted strikes against Ukrainian energy facilities.
He described reciprocal action as essential to making the proposed ceasefire effective and said any arrangement needed credible guarantees.
“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well. We are awaiting details from the American side,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on Telegram.
He added that Ukraine supported measures aimed at de-escalation, protecting lives and securing lasting peace.
The Ukrainian leader also discussed Trump’s announcement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Trump Announces Immediate Ceasefire
Trump’s announcement followed days of pressure on Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.
The US president had argued that Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities were contributing to rising diesel prices. He also announced a separate arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion that Ukraine should unilaterally stop its attacks while Russian forces continued targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
The latest announcement also raised questions because Trump had previously announced an energy ceasefire in September, but neither Russia nor Ukraine confirmed that an agreement had been reached, according to Reuters.
The absence of publicly available terms for the latest announcement has left uncertainty over when the proposed pause would begin, which facilities would be covered and how compliance would be monitored.
Moscow Yet To Confirm Agreement
At the time of the reports, Russia had not publicly responded to Trump’s latest announcement.
Ukraine’s position remained that it was willing to support an energy ceasefire provided Russia also stopped attacks on its energy infrastructure.
The developments highlight the challenges facing efforts to limit attacks on critical facilities while the wider war continues.
For Ukrainian residents, the immediate concern remains the protection of power and heating supplies as temperatures fall. Whether Trump’s announcement leads to a sustained reduction in attacks will depend on the details of any agreement and whether both sides comply with its terms.
