In brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported six energy facilities hit by Russia following a U.S. announcement of an energy ceasefire. The attacks caused blackouts in Izyum and damage to the grid in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, leaving 33 injured. Despite the ceasefire claim, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine will not receive respite. European leaders expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the ceasefire but others calling for strict adherence. The series of strikes underscores the ongoing aviation‑based targeting of critical infrastructure amid the war.
Six critical energy sites in Ukraine were struck by Russian forces hours after President Trump announced an energy ceasefire, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The strikes, which affected gas stations, power grids and other infrastructure, left 33 people injured and caused widespread blackouts in the city of Izyum, the power grid operator Ukrenergo reported. Power cuts were also announced in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia as damaged equipment risked overloading the system.
Zelensky called the attacks “a proof that Russia is unwilling to respect the energy ceasefire” and said Ukraine had not launched any offensive against Russian energy assets. He added that the strikes might be Putin’s answer to President Trump’s call for a ceasefire.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the ceasefire as a “respite” that Ukraine cannot enjoy, saying “we do not deserve a pause.”
European leaders offered mixed responses. The UK, France, Canada and the European Union broadly supported the energy ceasefire, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Estonia’s foreign minister expressed uncertainty over Russia’s adherence to the agreement.
These events highlight the continued cyber‑physical warfare over critical infrastructure during the conflict and the strategic importance of energy supplies to both sides. The international community remains vigilant as the war drags into its seventh year, with the stakes of energy security escalating beyond the battlefield.
