Six Ukrainian energy sites hit by Russia since Trump announced ceasefire, Zelensky says

Russian forces have struck six Ukrainian power facilities just hours after United States President Donald Trump declared an immediate halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky reported that Russian strikes hit fuel stations, power installations, and related facilities across the nation, leaving 33 people wounded. Speaking to Fox News, the Ukrainian leader stated that his country had refrained from launching attacks, while Russia continued its barrage, interpreting the bombardments as Vladimir Putin's direct response to Trump's declaration.

The impacts were felt immediately on the ground. Ukrainian national news agency Ukrinform reported blackouts throughout the city of Izyum following the destruction of local power grids. National grid operator Ukrenergo confirmed that fresh power cuts affected Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia due to the equipment damage, prompting electricity rationing in multiple areas to safeguard the strained system. Railway and energy infrastructure in western regions were targeted overnight as well. In the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that a Russian drone struck a 25-story apartment building in the Darnytskyi district, killing one resident, injuring 11 others, and setting nearby vehicles on fire.

Trump had announced on Sunday that both nations agreed to a truce protecting energy assets that would take effect right away. While Zelensky noted the sudden declaration was initially news to him, he expressed readiness to support the proposal, calling it an important step toward peace if the US ensures Russian compliance. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signaled strong resistance on Monday, stating that Ukraine should not be granted the respite a ceasefire would offer.

The push for an energy truce follows a recent move by the Trump administration to import Russian diesel into the US to ease fuel price pressures ahead of midterm elections, temporarily loosening sanctions. Trump has pressured Ukraine to halt its strikes against Russian refineries, a strategy Kyiv has used to limit Moscow's financial capabilities. Zelensky has criticized the US fuel agreement, characterizing it as an unwarranted concession to the Kremlin.

International leaders have offered cautious reactions to the development. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham backed the US call for an enduring energy ceasefire, with France, Canada, and the European Union also voicing support for the concept. Still, European diplomats remain deeply skeptical about Moscow's commitment. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked that the bloc would welcome the pause once it actually holds, cautioning that evidence of Russian adherence is still lacking, while Estonia's foreign minister flatly observed that the ceasefire is failing to function.