Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Russian forces continued to strike energy infrastructure across Ukraine, hours after US President Donald Trump announced a bilateral "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian skies had been "infested with Russian 'shaheds' all day today," adding that there had been "glide bomb strikes and strikes on our energy infrastructure too. A power plant in Kharkiv was attacked this evening."
The Ukrainian president stated that his country would support a truce over strikes on vital infrastructure, but clarified that Ukraine had been "caught off guard" by President Trump's "shock announcement" on Friday that such a deal had already been agreed.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, President Trump had written: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!"
Mr Zelensky later confirmed that he was awaiting details of the proposed energy ceasefire from the American side. "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well," he said in a Telegram post, noting discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Finnish President Alex Stubb. "For our part, Ukraine always FULLY supports steps toward de-escalation, the protection of lives, and the decisions needed to end the war and guarantee lasting peace," he added.
Kyiv had previously expressed public support for a truce on striking energy infrastructure. However, Mr Zelensky expressed "chagrin" over President Trump's Friday announcement of plans to lift sanctions on Moscow to allow Russia to supply diesel to the US and global markets.
The Kremlin has not yet acknowledged President Trump's claim of an established ceasefire. Russia had reportedly sought sanctions relief earlier in the week as a concession for adherence to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that the US is threatening to halt the PURL procurement system, which supplies Ukraine with weapons, in an effort to press Kyiv to cease its deep strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
President Trump also publicly criticised Mr Zelensky on Saturday, suggesting it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president" and claiming Mr Zelensky "could have settled this war many times, many many times, and he chooses not to." These comments were made as President Trump spoke to reporters about his deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning diesel supplies.
Mr Zelensky responded on Sunday that he would hold new elections if Mr Putin agreed to a 60-day "total ceasefire." He also reiterated Ukraine's stance: "Ukraine will be ready to stop striking Russian oil refineries if Russia stops striking our energy infrastructure. Any de-escalation steps must be reciprocal and backed by real guarantees."
In his social media posts, Mr Zelensky claimed that over the past week, Russia had used approximately 1,450 aerial bombs, 75 missiles of various types, and more than 1,640 attack drones. He added that at least 23 people, including four children, were killed in Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia on Saturday. "The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone," he wrote. "It is possible to stop strikes on energy infrastructure as early as today, but Putin does not want to do so."
The controversial diesel deal with Russia has faced criticism, even within President Trump's own party. Republican US Senator Thom Tillis stated on Sunday that the deal "may be illegal" and would "put American lives at risk." Senator Tillis, an influential Republican from North Carolina, suggested, "I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law."
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Andy Burnham weighed in on the issue, expressing support for President Trump’s calls for an immediate energy ceasefire. Writing on social media, Mr Burnham stated: "Ukraine is ready if Russia stops its attacks. This is the best route to get energy and fuel back into world markets."
Mr Burnham also revealed that Russia "clearly" interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. He stated that upon taking office as Prime Minister in July, he inquired about Russian involvement in the vote and received "the clear answer that yes, there was." Mr Burnham did not provide further details on the evidence supporting this statement. Russia has previously denied any meddling in the Brexit vote.
