Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he had no advance knowledge of the energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, revealing that he learned of the agreement only through media reports. Trump had said on social media that the ceasefire had come into effect, with both Russia and Ukraine agreeing not to attack each other’s energy infrastructure, including oil, power, and gas facilities.
Despite the lack of prior notice, Zelensky described the development as a positive one, saying Ukraine would welcome any step aimed at reducing tensions in the war. He said Kyiv has no objection to the agreement provided Russia also adheres to it in good faith. If Russia halts its attacks on Ukraine’s energy resources and power stations, he said, Ukraine will immediately stop its strikes on oil refineries inside Russia. Peace, he added, is possible only when both sides take positive steps.
The Russian government has so far issued no official response to Trump’s announcement. Shortly after the announcement, however, Russian forces launched fresh attacks on Ukraine, striking power stations in Kyiv and several other regions with drones. Zelensky said the strikes severely disrupted electricity supply across the country. In a separate attack on a shopping outlet in Kharkiv, six civilians were killed and more than 20 were seriously injured.
Expressing strong anger over the attacks, Zelensky said Russia’s actions, even as it speaks of peace, expose its double standards. He warned that Russia would face serious consequences in the coming days if it does not stop its attacks immediately, and urged countries around the world to take note of Moscow’s conduct and respond appropriately.