US President Donald Trump caused confusion on Sunday by announcing an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia, drawing astonishment in Kyiv, silence from Moscow and support from Ukraine's Western allies.
However, the ceasefire looked unreliable, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia struck multiple Ukrainian power plants on Sunday, including one in the capital and another in Kharkiv, causing power outages and outrage.
Trump's announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, sparking outrage from European allies and Kyiv, who said it would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump said early Sunday on Truth Social. "Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!"
Zelensky appeared surprised by the announcement and said he was seeking further details, but added that "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well."
Russia has not yet confirmed this agreement.
Zelensky later said multiple Ukrainian power stations had been hit and that "Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian 'shaheds' all day," referring to a type of drone originally designed by Iran that Russia now uses extensively.
Since launching a full-scale invasion of its neighbour in 2022, Russia has systematically hit Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leading to energy and heating shortages, prompting Ukraine to hit back at Russian oil refineries, which Kyiv says, to fund the war.
More recently, Trump's war in Iran has caused oil shortages and sharp price spikes, creating major headwinds for his Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections early next month.
Zelenskyy: Tell Putin to give us 60 days of ceasefire for elections
The ceasefire appeared to win support on Sunday from Ukraine's key western allies, including the UK, France, Canada, and the European Commission, as several leaders urged Russia to honour the deal. But this support contrasted with broad criticism of the US-Russia diesel deal earlier in the week, which has fueled growing tensions between Trump and Zelensky.
Zelensky called the diesel deal a "weak decision," while several of Ukraine's European allies expressed outrage and pledged to step up pressure on Moscow.
Seven US senators, including four Republicans, released a statement on Sunday blasting the diesel deal with Russia, saying it was illegal.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added to the chorus on Sunday after a call with Zelensky, saying the diesel deal "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 settle the war.
Zelensky pushed back, telling ABC News that "it's up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader."
"Tell (Vladimir) Putin, give us two months — 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections," he said.
Full support from Brussels, Berlin, Paris and London
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also backed the Ukrainian leader "as he leads the fight for his people's freedom."
Germany's foreign minister 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," Johann Wadephul stressed.
France also backed a "real energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday.
"Currently, Russia continues to refuse that, by lately intensifying further its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure," Macron said, adding: "France will continue to stay by the side of Ukraine and President Zelensky."
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham echoed this strong support and Trump's call "for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now."