Ukrainian officials reported that a thermal power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv was struck at least twice by Russian forces. This attack occurred despite President Donald Trump's announcement earlier on Sunday that both Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an 'energy ceasefire.'
A local official informed ABC News that the thermal power plant, CHP-5, was hit, resulting in a fire. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attack on the Kharkiv plant and mentioned another attack on a power facility in Kyiv, stating that these incidents happened after Trump's announcement.
In his social media post, Trump declared, 'Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!' However, Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the announcement, stating that Ukraine was caught off guard and learned about it through social media. He indicated that Ukraine would be willing to accept the ceasefire if Russia agreed.
Prior to Trump's declaration, Zelenskyy had communicated to Jon Karl on 'This Week' that Ukraine sought an immediate ceasefire that would involve halting strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for Russia stopping its attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure. In his evening address, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's readiness to refrain from attacking Russian energy targets, emphasizing the need for mutual readiness from Russia. 'Ukraine has proposed many de-escalation steps,' he stated. 'Ukraine wants peace. The question is whether Russia wants it.'