Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Claim Welcomed by Zelensky as Russia Remains Silent
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, uncertainty remains because Moscow has not publicly confirmed the agreement, while Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure continue.
Trump announced the proposed ceasefire on Sunday, October 11, 2026, through a social media post. He claimed that both countries had agreed to stop attacking energy facilities with immediate effect.
The announcement raised hopes of reducing damage to power stations, heating systems and other essential infrastructure as Ukraine prepares for another winter of war.
However, Zelensky said Ukraine was still waiting for details from Washington. He stressed that Russia must also support the agreement before it can become a reality.
According to Reuters, Moscow had not publicly responded to Trump’s announcement as of Sunday.
Trump Announces Immediate Energy Ceasefire
Trump announced the proposed agreement in a brief statement on social media.
He said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire but provided no details about its conditions, duration or implementation.
The White House had not offered further clarification about the announcement in the initial reports.
An agreement to protect energy infrastructure would represent a significant step towards reducing the impact of the war on civilians. Both countries have repeatedly targeted infrastructure that supports electricity generation, fuel production and other essential services.
However, Trump’s announcement has not yet established that Russia and Ukraine have formally agreed to stop these attacks.
The lack of confirmation from Moscow has also raised questions about how the proposed arrangement would be enforced.
Zelensky Welcomes the Proposal
Zelensky said Ukraine supported the proposed ceasefire and was ready to take steps towards reducing attacks on energy infrastructure.
In a statement shared on Telegram, he said Ukraine welcomed efforts to de-escalate the conflict and protect civilian lives.
He also said Kyiv was waiting for further information from the American government.
The Ukrainian president emphasised that the agreement would need Russia’s cooperation to succeed.
Zelensky has repeatedly called for international pressure on Moscow to stop attacks against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
He also indicated that Ukraine was prepared to stop attacking Russian energy facilities if Russia halted its strikes on Ukraine’s energy system.
This position suggests that Kyiv is willing to consider a reciprocal arrangement, provided both sides follow the same conditions.
Russian Attacks Reportedly Continue
Despite Trump’s announcement, Ukraine reported further Russian attacks on energy infrastructure on Sunday.
Zelensky said Russian forces had continued launching aerial attacks, including strikes on facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv.
He specifically reported an attack on a combined heating and power plant in Kharkiv, a major city in northeastern Ukraine.
The reported strikes raised doubts about whether the proposed ceasefire had taken effect in practice.
Zelensky also said Ukraine had recorded more than 200 strikes on electricity-generating capacity during the previous week, alongside 17 attacks on oil and gas facilities.
The figures highlighted the scale of the threat facing Ukraine’s energy network as colder weather approaches.
Damage to electricity and heating infrastructure can leave homes without power, disrupt essential services and make conditions more difficult for civilians during winter.
However, the reports available on Sunday did not establish whether the latest attacks occurred before or after any possible communication of ceasefire terms to the Russian military.
Moscow Has Yet to Respond
Russia’s silence has become a central issue surrounding Trump’s announcement.
Without an official response from the Kremlin, it remains unclear whether Moscow accepts the proposed arrangement or considers itself bound by its terms.
The absence of publicly confirmed conditions also makes it difficult to determine how either side would monitor compliance.
An effective ceasefire would require clear rules, communication between the parties and a way to address alleged violations.
Ukraine and Russia have continued to attack each other’s infrastructure throughout the conflict, despite previous diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities.
The latest proposal therefore faces the challenge of turning a political announcement into an arrangement that both militaries follow.
Energy Ceasefire Could Offer Relief to Civilians
Protecting energy infrastructure could help reduce civilian suffering and limit further damage to essential services.
Ukraine has experienced repeated attacks on power stations, electricity networks and heating facilities since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Russia has also faced Ukrainian strikes against oil refineries and other infrastructure supporting its energy industry.
A reciprocal halt to these attacks could reduce pressure on both countries’ energy systems and create an opening for wider diplomatic discussions.
Nevertheless, the proposed ceasefire remains uncertain until Russia responds and both sides clarify its conditions.
For now, Zelensky’s support signals Kyiv’s willingness to consider the arrangement. Whether it leads to a sustained reduction in attacks will depend on Moscow’s response and the actions taken by both countries in the coming days.
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