Russia launched fresh strikes on a Ukrainian power plant shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed both nations had reached an immediate energy ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Kyiv is prepared to honor a mutual pause on energy infrastructure attacks, but warned that Moscow must first halt its strikes on civilian electricity systems and infrastructure.
The agreement has so far yielded Moscow a diplomatic victory with zero battlefield concessions.
Trump had declared on social media that both parties agreed to immediately stop striking energy targets. Hours later, Russian missiles and drones damaged Ukrainian utility facilities. Zelenskyy stated that if Russia expects Ukrainian forces to cease long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries, Moscow must stop shelling Ukrainian power networks and killing civilians. He added that a reciprocal energy pause could serve as a genuine first step toward ending the broader war.
The Kremlin offered no confirmation of the pact. Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would brief reporters once there is something concrete to announce. Concurrently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed a separate Ukrainian proposal for a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire, arguing that Kyiv does not deserve a respite.
The confrontation comes as Trump faces criticism for easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Trump has repeatedly pushed Kyiv to stop hitting Russian fuel sites to permit diesel deliveries to international markets.
Regional analysts note that Moscow has managed to negotiate directly with Washington while bypassing European and Ukrainian participation, securing economic incentives without halting aggression. Russia has systematically escalated attacks on Ukraine`s energy grid ahead of winter conditions since launching its invasion in 2022.
