Russian strikes hit multiple Ukrainian power plants on Sunday after US President Donald Trump claimed both sides had agreed to stop targeting each other’s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Zelensky stated on social media that a drone struck a power plant in Kyiv, causing outages in the capital. He later reported a strike on the CHP-5 power plant in Kharkiv and said Ukrainian skies had been filled with Russian Shahed drones throughout the day.
Trump announced in Washington on Sunday morning that an energy ceasefire was in effect immediately in the war between Russia and Ukraine. He wrote on Truth Social that both parties had agreed and should not break it, without providing further details. Zelensky expressed surprise at the claim and said he was seeking more information. Russia has not confirmed any agreement.
The announcement followed by two days Trump’s temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, which drew criticism from Ukraine and European allies. Zelensky called the diesel decision weak. After talks with leaders from Canada, Finland and NATO, he said Ukraine supports the ceasefire and that Russia’s support is important. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the diesel deal as opposing efforts by Ukraine, Canada and allies for peace and stability in Europe. Trump had said it was time for Ukraine to get a new president. Zelensky responded in an ABC News interview that it is up to Ukrainian society and people to choose their leader. He attributed rising fuel prices to the Middle East war and blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin fully supports Zelensky and will stay by Ukraine’s side. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen backed Zelensky and his call for a ceasefire protecting energy infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron said France supports a real energy ceasefire and remains with Ukraine and Zelensky, noting Russia continues intensifying strikes. In Kyiv, resident Olesia Goncharuk said Ukrainians decide their own fate and freedom.
