Zelenskyy states Russia continues attacks on energy facilities despite Trump's claims of ceasefire

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that Russia has continued to strike Ukraine's energy facilities, despite former President Donald Trump's claim the day before that an energy ceasefire had been agreed upon between the two countries. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine learned through media reports about Trump's assertion of a ceasefire deal, which would involve a mutual pause in strikes on energy sites. He expressed willingness to honor such an agreement if Russia did the same. "We support it, but I have not heard approval of this proposal from the Russian side," Zelenskyy said. Trump's social media post on Sunday provided few details, stating that the ceasefire took effect immediately and urged not to break it. On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not confirm whether Russia had agreed to the ceasefire, only stating that "contacts are ongoing." Zelenskyy expressed surprise that, following Trump's announcement, Russia struck multiple energy facilities, including a power plant in Kharkiv and a gas production facility. He remarked, "It was clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not read Truth Social," referring to Trump's platform. Trump had previously announced a similar ceasefire agreement that did not materialize. Russia has targeted energy facilities to deprive Ukrainian civilians of power, heat, and water, a strategy described by Ukrainian officials as "weaponizing winter." Ukraine has also conducted strikes on Russian energy sites. Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine would comply with Trump's requests to halt strikes on Russian refineries if Moscow ceased attacks on Ukraine's energy system. He called for Trump to persuade the Kremlin to agree to the ceasefire, stating that if no agreement is reached, "we will respond." The European Union's top diplomat welcomed the idea of a pause in energy strikes but noted a lack of evidence that Russia would comply. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, emphasized that the ceasefire should also protect civilians. Trump's diesel deal with Putin has drawn criticism from U.S. and European officials, with a bipartisan group of senators urging the Trump administration to reverse the agreement. Zelenskyy stated that elections in Ukraine are not feasible during wartime, especially with ongoing attacks. He expressed readiness to work towards elections if a ceasefire of at least 60 days is secured. Peskov responded that Putin would consider halting strikes on election day if Ukraine held elections. On Monday, two people were reported injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv, and a drone attack in Kharkiv killed three and injured nine others. Ukrainian air defense forces reported intercepting 89 of 121 Russian drones overnight. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 151 Ukrainian drones and conducted strikes on Ukraine's port infrastructure.