In brief
Hours after Donald Trump declared an energy ceasefire, Russia hit six Ukrainian energy sites, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse Moscow of violating the truce. The attacks caused blackouts in Izyum and other cities and left 33 people injured. Zelensky warned that Russia’s actions demonstrated its unwillingness to honour the ceasefire, while European leaders voiced mixed support for the U.S.–brokered deal.
Truce Announcement Sparks Six Energy Attacks
Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces struck six Ukrainian energy sites, including power grids and gas stations.
Blackouts and Injuries Follow the Attacks
Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported blackouts in the city of Izyum after a Russian strike destroyed power equipment, and Ukrenergo said new power cuts were being implemented in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia to protect damaged infrastructure. The strikes left 33 people injured across the country.
Zelensky’s Response
Zelensky told Fox News that the attacks proved Russia was unwilling to honour the ceasefire, saying, “We did not attack, while Russia attacked our gas stations, energy infrastructure, and other facilities.” He added that the strikes were a “Putin response” to Trump’s proclamation.
International Reaction
European officials responded with mixed messages. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak strongly supported the ceasefire, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc would welcome a ceasefire that Russia actually respected. Estonia’s foreign minister doubted the deal’s effectiveness.
Context and Damages
Analysis from BBC Verify indicates that Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have doubled since 2025, with 273 attacks recorded in 2026 compared to 124 the previous year. The global conflict has also spurred rising fuel prices ahead of U.S. elections, with Trump proposing the import of Russian diesel into the United States after the ceasefire claim.
