Russian strikes hit multiple Ukrainian power plants on Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said. A drone hit a Kyiv power plant, leading to power outages in the capital. Zelensky said there had been a strike on the CHP-5 power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv. Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian 'shaheds' all day, he added.
US President Donald Trump had announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, effective immediately. He claimed both parties had agreed to stop hitting each other's energy infrastructure. However, Russia has yet to confirm its agreement. Zelensky expressed surprise at the announcement and said he was seeking further details.
The announcement came two days after Trump announced a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel. This move prompted outrage from Ukraine and its European allies, who argued it only emboldened Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Trump has blamed Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries for sending diesel prices soaring.
Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is essential that Russia supports it as well, Zelensky said. He made this statement after speaking with the leaders of Canada, Finland, and NATO. Russia has launched waves of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure since invading in February 2022.
Zelensky said the US-Russia diesel deal was a "weak decision". Several of Ukraine's European allies expressed outrage and pledged to increase pressure on Moscow. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added to the chorus, saying the diesel deal "is in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe".
Trump lashed out at Zelensky, saying it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president" who would finally settle the war. Zelensky pushed back on the suggestion in an interview. He said that fuel prices were rising because of the war in the Middle East and the blocking of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Several residents in Kyiv expressed concern about 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. Germany's foreign minister and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen backed Zelensky, with the latter saying she fully supported his call for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure.
Key points
- Russian strikes hit multiple Ukrainian power plants on Sunday despite Trump's claim of an energy ceasefire.
- Ukraine and European allies expressed outrage over Trump's temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel.
- Zelensky received support from Germany's foreign minister and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen amid Trump's criticism.
