Russia Ignores Ceasefire Announced by Trump
KYIV: Russia appeared to disregard a warning from United States (US) President Donald Trump by launching attacks on several power plants in Ukraine just hours after an energy ceasefire between the two countries was announced.
The attacks occurred despite Trump’s insistence that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt strikes on each other’s energy infrastructure, warning both sides not to violate the agreement.
A power plant in Kyiv was struck by drones, causing electricity supply disruptions in the Ukrainian capital, while energy infrastructure in Kharkiv was also targeted.
Earlier, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would take effect immediately.
“Effective immediately, an energy ceasefire is in place in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides have agreed. Do not violate it!” Trump wrote, without providing further details.
At the time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had not been informed about the energy ceasefire.
“This is news to me as well. However, if Russia agrees to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will also agree,” he told Axios.
Kyiv’s allies, meanwhile, said they were awaiting further details about the ceasefire covering energy facilities, as announced by Trump.
“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia supports it too. We are awaiting details from the American side.
“Ukraine has always fully supported efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect lives and make the decisions necessary to end the war and secure lasting peace,” Zelensky said on his Facebook page before Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian power plants.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support for the implementation of a genuine energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as diesel prices reached 2.25 euros (RM10.29) per litre.
Russia had yet to confirm any agreement on the ceasefire as the war continued to see an escalation in deadly attacks.
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