Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of striking the country's energy infrastructure on 11/10, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced an 'immediate' energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv. Zelensky stated on social media that "Russia used drones to attack a power plant in Kyiv. Attacks on energy facilities also occurred in Kharkov province."
A thermal power plant in Kharkov province, Ukraine, was attacked on the night of 11/10. *Video: Kyiv Post*
However, President Zelensky denied any such agreement, stating he only learned about the proposed ceasefire through media reports. He affirmed Ukraine's willingness to agree if Russia genuinely commits to an energy ceasefire. "If President Trump has negotiated with President Vladimir Putin, please let us know when the ceasefire begins. We are ready and will accept it", Zelensky said.
Neither the Russian Ministry of Defense nor other Russian officials have commented on Trump's announcement or Zelensky's subsequent statements.
This marks a repeated instance of the US President announcing a Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire. In mid-September, Trump stated Moscow and Kyiv "agreed not to target each other's energy facilities". Yet, one day later, Ukraine launched an attack on an oil refinery in Syzran, Samara province, southern Russia, resulting in a fire at the facility.
Kyiv lost power on the night of 11/10 after the attack. *Video: X/Maria Avdeeva*
On 11/10, President Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's readiness to halt attacks on enemy oil refineries if Russia ceases its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He also discussed the energy ceasefire proposal with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Zelensky emphasized, "We are waiting for the US to provide details on this proposal. Ukraine fully supports steps to de-escalate tensions, protect lives, and make necessary decisions to end the war and ensure lasting peace."
Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters, Kyiv Independent)
