US President Donald Trump sowed confusion on Sunday by announcing an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia, drawing surprise in Kyiv, silence from Moscow and support from Ukraine’s Western allies.
The announcement appeared shaky, however, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had struck several Ukrainian power plants, including facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv, causing power outages.
Trump announced the ceasefire two days after declaring a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, a move that drew criticism from Kyiv and European allies, who warned it could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Sunday. “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”
Zelensky appeared surprised by the announcement, saying he was seeking further details. He added that “Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well”.
Moscow has yet to confirm that it agreed to the ceasefire.
Zelensky later said several Ukrainian power stations had been hit. “Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian ‘shaheds’ all day,” he said, referring to Iranian-designed drones widely used by Russia.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has repeatedly targeted the country’s energy infrastructure, causing electricity and heating shortages. Ukraine has retaliated by striking Russian oil refineries, which it says help finance Moscow’s war effort.
Trump’s war against Iran has also contributed to oil shortages and rising fuel prices, creating political challenges for his Republican Party ahead of the US midterm elections early next month.
The proposed ceasefire received support on Sunday from several of Ukraine’s key Western allies, including the UK, France, Canada and the European Commission. Several leaders urged Russia to honour the agreement.
Their support contrasted with the criticism of Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel earlier in the week, which further strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.
Zelensky described the diesel decision as “weak”, while several European allies condemned the move and pledged to increase pressure on Moscow.
Seven US senators, including four Republicans, also issued a statement on Sunday criticising the diesel deal and describing it as illegal.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added his criticism after speaking with Zelensky, saying the decision “is in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe”.
Asked about the criticism on Saturday, Trump said it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would finally end the war.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion in an interview with ABC News, saying, “It’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader.”
He also said fuel prices were rising because of the war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Everybody understands it,” he said.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday that Berlin continued to “fully support” Zelensky.
“Europe needs stability and that means that we are very clearly continuing to stay by the side of Ukraine and its government,” he said in Berlin.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also backed Zelensky “as he leads the fight for his people’s freedom”.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain “strongly supports President Trump’s call today for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now”.
In Kyiv, several residents expressed concern over Trump’s call for Zelensky to be replaced.
“I believe our president is the best, and Americans should think about their own president,” said 40-year-old Olesia Goncharuk.
“We Ukrainians decide our own fate and our own freedom, and we are free people,” she told AFP.