Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of breaking a truce on energy as declared by U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy called on the U.S. to ensure Russia complies with the terms of the agreement. Speaking at a security conference via video link, Zelenskyy stated that he was awaiting details of the agreement between the two countries and expected concrete actions from the U.S. to enforce the ceasefire. He emphasized the potential of the energy ceasefire to be a significant step towards ending the conflict if the U.S. intervened to ensure Russia’s adherence to the agreement.
In response, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine reported that Russian forces had attacked an energy facility on the city’s outskirts. Zelenskyy criticized Russia for continuing to target energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv despite the ceasefire announcement. Trump had previously mentioned an agreement with both countries to refrain from attacking each other’s energy sites, but no further details were provided, and the agreement did not materialize.
Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities have been aimed at depriving civilians of essential services during the conflict, a tactic referred to by Ukrainian officials as “weaponizing winter.” In retaliation, Ukraine has targeted Russian energy sites, including oil refineries within Russian territory. The diesel deal between the U.S. and Russia, endorsed by Trump, has elicited concern from Ukrainian and European officials who believe it will support Russia’s war efforts. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to respect the ceasefire.
Furthermore, a Russian drone strike in the Kharkiv district resulted in casualties, including fatalities and injuries, while Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted a significant number of drones. The conflict escalated with attacks on gas production facilities of Ukraine’s Naftogaz company and Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in military actions despite diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire.