Trump’s ‘Energy Ceasefire’ Sparks Confusion As Ukraine Reports Fresh Russian Strikes

US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an immediate “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine triggered confusion in Kyiv, while Moscow remained silent and Ukraine’s Western allies voiced support for the proposed halt in attacks.

The announcement appeared to face an early test as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian strikes hit several Ukrainian power plants on Sunday, including facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv, causing power outages.

Trump announced the ceasefire on his Truth Social platform, saying both sides had agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Russia had not publicly confirmed its acceptance of the arrangement.

“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote. “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”

Zelensky appeared taken aback by the announcement and said he was seeking further details. He nevertheless expressed Kyiv’s support for the initiative, adding that Russia must also agree to uphold the ceasefire.

Later, the Ukrainian president accused Russia of continuing its attacks, saying the country’s skies had been filled with Russian Shahed drones throughout the day.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has repeatedly targeted the country’s energy infrastructure, contributing to electricity and heating shortages. Ukraine has retaliated by striking Russian oil refineries, arguing that the facilities help finance Moscow’s war effort.

Trump’s announcement also came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel supplies. The decision drew criticism from Kyiv and European allies, who warned that easing pressure on Moscow could strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position.

Ukraine’s Allies Back Energy Ceasefire

The proposed energy ceasefire received support from several of Ukraine’s key Western allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and the European Commission.

European leaders called on Russia to honour the arrangement and support efforts to reduce attacks on critical infrastructure.

However, the backing for the ceasefire contrasted with the criticism directed at Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel, which has added to tensions between Trump and Zelensky.

Zelensky described the diesel decision as a “weak decision”, while several European allies called for continued pressure on Moscow.

Seven US senators, including four Republicans, also criticised the sanctions decision in a statement on Sunday, arguing that the arrangement was illegal.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, following a call with Zelensky, said the diesel deal ran counter to efforts by Ukraine, Canada and their allies to establish peace and stability in Europe.

Trump had criticised Zelensky on Saturday, saying it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president” who could bring the war to an end.

Zelensky rejected the suggestion that Ukraine’s leadership should be determined externally, telling ABC News that the decision belonged to the Ukrainian people.

“It’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader,” he said.

The Ukrainian president also pointed to rising fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Germany, EU And UK Reaffirm Support For Zelensky

Germany reiterated its support for Zelensky amid the latest tensions with Washington.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin continued to “fully support” the Ukrainian president, stressing that European stability required continued backing for Ukraine and its government.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed support for Zelensky, praising his leadership in what she described as Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Trump’s initiative, saying Britain “strongly supports President Trump’s call today for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now.”

The statements underscored continued European support for Ukraine even as disagreements over sanctions policy and the path towards ending the war complicated relations with Washington.

Ukrainians Push Back Against Trump’s Remarks

Trump’s call for a change in Ukraine’s leadership also drew criticism from residents in Kyiv.

Olesia Goncharuk, 40, said Ukrainians should determine their own political future rather than face pressure from foreign leaders.

“I believe our president is the best, and Americans should think about their own president,” she said.

“We Ukrainians decide our own fate and our own freedom, and we are free people,” she told AFP.

With Moscow yet to publicly confirm its participation and Ukraine reporting fresh attacks on energy facilities, uncertainty remained over whether the proposed ceasefire would translate into a sustained halt in strikes on critical infrastructure.