Ukraine Reports Continued Russian Strikes Despite US-Announced Energy Ceasefire

Kyiv, October 13: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an immediate energy ceasefire between the two countries.

Trump announced the proposed ceasefire on October 11, saying that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy facilities. However, the announcement was followed by reports of further Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy sites, raising questions about whether an agreement had been reached and whether it would be respected.

Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland on October 12, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had been surprised by the attacks that followed the US announcement. He identified a power plant in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, a gas production facility and a civilian petrol station among the sites reportedly targeted.

Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine was prepared to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow agreed to do the same. He described a mutual halt to attacks on energy facilities as a potential first step towards broader efforts to end the war.

However, the Ukrainian president questioned Russia’s willingness to comply with the proposed arrangement. He also said Kyiv was awaiting further details from Washington regarding the ceasefire.

Trump maintained on October 12 that an energy ceasefire was in place. When asked about reports of continued attacks, he said he would examine the situation and acknowledged that there had been violations on both sides.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, did not publicly confirm that Russia had accepted the proposed ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts were ongoing, without providing further details about the arrangement.

The uncertainty surrounding the announcement has also drawn concern from European officials. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the prospect of a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure but expressed doubts about whether Russia would comply. She also called for a broader ceasefire that would prevent the killing of civilians.

Attacks on energy facilities have been a significant feature of the conflict, with damage to power and gas infrastructure threatening essential services as colder weather approaches. Ukraine has also carried out strikes against Russian energy facilities, including oil refineries, as part of its military response.

The latest developments highlight the difficulties facing diplomatic efforts to secure even a limited agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Although the proposed energy ceasefire was presented as an immediate measure, the absence of publicly confirmed terms and continued reports of attacks have left its status uncertain.