Donald Trump energy ceasefire fails as Russian strikes hit Kyiv
Ukrainian officials said Monday that Russian forces continued striking Ukraine energy sites in Kyiv despite a announced pause. The strikes came after Donald Trump claimed both warring nations agreed to an immediate halt on such attacks. The purported agreement was not formally confirmed by Moscow.
The Regional Prosecutor’s Office of Kharkiv stated Monday that Russian forces attacked an energy facility outside the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that he welcomed the announcement, but Russian strikes continued in Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Trump announced the mutual agreement on social media Sunday. He wrote that the deal took effect immediately. “Do not break it!” Trump wrote.
Trump previously claimed on Sept. 14 that both nations agreed to avoid energy targets. He offered no details then, and no actual halt occurred. The current war has lasted 4 1/2 years.
Ukrainian officials accuse Moscow of weaponizing winter to deny civilians electricity, heat, and water. Ukraine has launched strikes against Russian oil refineries deep inside Russia. Trump blamed Zelenskyy for high U.S. diesel prices ahead of midterm elections.
Zelenskyy said Kyiv would stop hitting Russian refineries if Moscow halted strikes on Ukraine. He asked Trump to press the Kremlin. Moscow did not immediately comment on the deal.
Diplomats Express Doubt
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke Monday in Luxembourg. She said she saw no sign Russia would respect any energy pause.
We haven’t yet seen that also Russia will stick to it. Personally, I would also welcome that the ceasefire would include people not being killed, not only energy.
Trump reached a deal Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to purchase Russian diesel. European officials said the fuel purchase would fund Russia’s military campaign. Several EU ministers said the plan would not lower fuel prices.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the fuel agreement connects to domestic politics in the United States. Trump also stated Saturday that Ukraine needs a new president. Kallas responded that Ukraine cannot hold elections without a ceasefire.
Drone Strikes Reported
A Russian drone hit Pisochyn in the Kharkiv district at approximately 7:25 p.m. Sunday. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office said the strike killed three people and injured nine, including children. The blast hit near apartment buildings and grocery stores.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down or suppressing 89 of 121 Russian drones overnight Monday. The attack included one Kh-59 guided missile and 76 jet-powered Shahed-type drones. Strikes hit 15 locations across Ukraine, and debris fell in four areas.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated Monday that air defenses intercepted 151 Ukrainian drones. Those interceptions occurred over Russian regions, the Black Sea, and annexed Crimea.
Russian officials also reported drone strikes on unspecified Ukrainian port sites. They said strikes hit a bulk carrier carrying military cargo toward Odesa.
The European Union coordinates foreign policy and security matters for its member nations during international conflicts. Regional prosecutor offices in Ukraine investigate war-related civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Civil defense teams regularly clear debris following aerial drone strikes.
Officials in Kyiv have not reported any formal talks to verify future ceasefire terms.
