President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on 13/10 that Ukraine refrained from striking Russia's energy infrastructure or oil refineries for two days after former US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire related to this sector. However, Zelensky accused Russia of not complying, instead continuing to attack Ukrainian energy facilities and critical infrastructure. The latest Russian assault resulted in 4 deaths and 41 injuries in Kharkov, with 5 ballistic missiles hitting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv on 4/10. *Photo: AFP*

Zelensky also highlighted the lack of early warnings from partners regarding these attacks, emphasizing that "intelligence information helps save lives. This is a vital issue, and receiving early warnings helps prevent casualties."

Russia has not commented on Zelensky's accusations. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on the same day that discussions regarding the energy ceasefire proposed by the US are ongoing, but there is no further information to add. Peskov emphasized that Russia values achieving lasting peace over a truce, as this is their ultimate goal.

Ukrainian firefighters outside a damaged building in Kharkov city after the attack on 13/10. *Photo: DSNS Ukraine*

In statements on 12-13/10, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its military targeted data centers, defense industrial facilities, logistics hubs, port infrastructure, and ships suspected of carrying cargo for the Ukrainian military. The agency did not mention Ukraine's energy facilities in these reports.

Former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on 11/10 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure, with the agreement taking immediate effect. Zelensky then stated that Ukraine had not reached any such agreement with Russia, but affirmed that Kyiv would agree if Moscow made a similar move. He also accused Russia of attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure hours after Trump announced the ceasefire.

Former US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 10/10. *Photo: AP*

The broader context of these discussions includes reports from Reuters, CNN, and the Financial Times, citing US and European officials. These sources indicated that Washington threatened to suspend intelligence sharing and arms sales to Kyiv if Ukraine did not cease attacking Russian oil refineries. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Ukraine's attacks, which led to Russia suspending diesel exports, were the reason for sharp increases in diesel prices in the US. However, many experts believe that a greater influencing factor is the conflict between the US and Iran.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AFP, AP, TASS)