US President Donald Trump sowed confusion on Sunday, announcing an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia that sparked astonishment in Kyiv, silence from Moscow and support from Ukraine's Western allies. The announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, prompting outrage by European allies and Kyiv, who said it would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The ceasefire appeared shaky at best as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia struck multiple Ukrainian power plants on Sunday, including one in the capital and another in Kharkiv, leading to power outages and outrage. Zelensky appeared to express surprise at the announcement, saying he was seeking further details, but added that "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well."
Russia has yet to confirm its agreement to the ceasefire. Zelensky later said that 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 is now used extensively by Russia. Since launching a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in 2022, Russia has systematically hit Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leading to energy and heating shortages.
The ceasefire appeared to garner support on Sunday from Ukraine's key western allies, including the UK, France, Canada and the European Commission. Several leaders called on Russia to uphold the deal. But that support was in contrast to broad criticism of the US-Russia diesel deal earlier in the week, which has led to mounting tensions between Trump and Zelensky.
Seven US senators -- including four Republicans -- released a statement 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."
Zelensky pushed back against Trump's suggestion that he should be replaced, telling ABC News that "it's up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader." He said that fuel prices were rising because of the war in the Middle East and the blocked Strait of Hormuz. "Everybody understands it," he said.
Germany's foreign minister said 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 said in Berlin. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also backed the Ukrainian leader "as he leads the fight for his people's freedom."
Key points
- US President Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia.
- The ceasefire appeared shaky as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia struck multiple Ukrainian power plants.
- Western allies supported the ceasefire, but criticized the US-Russia diesel deal.
