Russia has kept up its attacks on energy assets despite US President Donald Trump claiming there were pledges from both sides to support an “energy ceasefire” in the war, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said after another day of strikes.
“Last night, we did not attack any energy facilities on the territory of Russia because President Trump said that there would be an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia,” the Ukrainian president told Fox News in the US. “We did not attack, while Russia attacked our gas stations, energy infrastructure, and other facilities.”
There were attacks on six Ukrainian energy facilities on Monday, Zelensky said, that left 33 people injured.
“I think it was Putin’s answer to President Trump. And the message from Russia was very clear – they don’t know anything about the energy ceasefire. It’s a pity, because they always find reasons not to stop this war. Which is why I think we need more pressure on Russia.”
Russian drone attacks hit Kyiv twice on Monday, according to statements from Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported by The Kyiv Independent and others. Reuters reported that a Russian strike on a high-rise residential building killed two people and injured at least seven. A separate strike hit a factory in the city of Vinnytsia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a 60-day ceasefire proposed by Zelensky, Reuters reported from Moscow. Instead, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would be willing to halt attacks on the day Ukraine holds a presidential election. Zelensky said Ukraine was “ready to respect an energy ceasefire” if Russia did the same.