US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has raised fresh questions over Washington’s efforts to end the war, with Kyiv reporting Russian strikes on power facilities hours after the declaration.

Trump said on Sunday that both sides had agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, but Moscow had yet to confirm its participation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was seeking clarification on the announcement while insisting that any truce would require Russia’s cooperation.

“Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well,” Zelensky said.

The uncertainty deepened after Zelensky reported strikes on several Ukrainian power plants, including facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv. He also accused Russia of sending waves of Iranian-designed Shahed drones into Ukrainian airspace, raising doubts about whether the proposed arrangement was being observed.

According to AFP, the announcement received support from Ukraine’s key Western allies, including Britain, France, Canada and the European Commission, whose leaders urged Moscow to honour the proposed truce. However, Russia’s silence left the initiative without clear confirmation from both sides.

The announcement came amid growing tensions over Trump’s decision to temporarily ease US sanctions on Russian diesel exports. The move drew criticism from Kyiv and several European governments, which warned that easing economic pressure on Moscow could help sustain its war effort.

Zelensky described the decision as weak, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the sanctions relief ran counter to efforts by Ukraine, Canada and their allies to restore peace and stability in Europe. Seven US senators, including four Republicans, also criticized the decision, arguing that it was illegal.

Trump further escalated tensions by suggesting that Ukraine needed a new president who could bring the conflict to an end. Zelensky rejected the implication that Washington should determine Ukraine’s leadership, saying the choice belonged to the Ukrainian people.

“It’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader,” Zelensky told ABC News.

European leaders subsequently reaffirmed their support for Kyiv. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin would continue to stand firmly behind the Ukrainian government, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Zelensky’s efforts to defend Ukraine’s freedom.

The proposed ceasefire also comes as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy markets and pushes fuel prices higher. Trump has faced mounting pressure over the economic consequences, with the US midterm elections approaching.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, its repeated attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have caused power shortages and disrupted heating supplies. Ukraine has retaliated by striking Russian oil refineries, arguing that the facilities help finance Moscow’s military campaign.

With Russian confirmation still lacking and Ukrainian power facilities reportedly under attack, the latest announcement has yet to demonstrate that it can deliver a meaningful pause in the conflict.

BOB Post