Zelensky Accuses Russia of Striking Power Plant After Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Claim
Zelensky Reports Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Power Plants
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of striking critical energy infrastructure hours after US President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelensky said Russian drones attacked a power plant in Kyiv, causing electricity outages in several districts. He later reported another strike on a thermal power plant in Kharkiv, raising fresh questions about whether the proposed ceasefire would take effect.
The Ukrainian president made the accusations on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after Trump claimed that both countries had agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
According to reports from Reuters and The Associated Press, the announcement came without detailed terms explaining how the agreement would work. Moscow had not publicly confirmed its acceptance when the reports were published.
The latest developments have increased uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to reduce attacks on Ukraine’s electricity and heating systems.
Trump Announces Immediate Energy Ceasefire
Trump announced the proposed ceasefire in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
He said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure, adding that the arrangement was effective immediately.
However, the US president did not provide details about the agreement or explain how compliance would be monitored.
The announcement also caught Kyiv by surprise. Zelensky said he was waiting for further information from Washington before assessing the arrangement.
Ukraine later expressed support for the proposal, provided Russia also agreed to follow it.
The absence of an immediate confirmation from Moscow raised questions about whether both countries had reached a shared understanding or whether further negotiations would be required.
The announcement followed weeks of discussions about protecting energy facilities during the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Kyiv Power Plant Strike Causes Electricity Outages
Zelensky reported that a Russian drone struck a power plant in Kyiv, leaving several districts without electricity.
He said the attack occurred after Trump’s announcement of the proposed ceasefire.
The Ukrainian president also reported that Russian drones continued operating in Ukrainian airspace throughout the day.
Later, Zelensky said Russian forces had attacked the CHP-5 thermal power plant in Kharkiv, a major facility that supplies heat and electricity to the city.
A Ukrainian official confirmed that the Kharkiv facility had been struck after Trump’s ceasefire statement, according to Reuters.
The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear.
Attacks on power plants can disrupt electricity supplies and heating services, particularly as temperatures begin to fall. They can also affect hospitals, businesses, transport systems and other essential services.
Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned that damage to energy infrastructure creates additional pressure on civilians already affected by the war.
Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Ready for a Ceasefire
Despite reporting the attacks, Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to support a halt to strikes against energy infrastructure.
He maintained, however, that Russia must agree to the same restrictions.
The Ukrainian president has previously offered to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stops targeting Ukrainian energy facilities.
Kyiv argues that a ceasefire must apply to both countries rather than require Ukraine to stop its attacks while Russian strikes continue.
Zelensky also said he had discussed Trump’s announcement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
He stressed that Ukraine supported the proposal but was waiting for details from the American side.
The position reflects Kyiv’s longstanding demand for reciprocal measures and assurances that Russia will comply with any agreement.
Energy Infrastructure Remains a Major Target
Energy facilities have played a significant role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Russian attacks have repeatedly damaged Ukrainian power stations, electricity transmission systems and other infrastructure.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has targeted Russian oil refineries and other facilities that it says contribute to Moscow’s military funding.
The competing attacks have added pressure to both countries’ energy systems and complicated diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities.
A successful energy ceasefire could help protect civilians and limit disruptions to electricity and heating supplies. However, its effectiveness would depend on clear terms, cooperation from both sides and reliable monitoring.
Diesel Deal Adds to Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky
The ceasefire announcement came amid growing disagreements between Trump and Zelensky over a separate Russian diesel supply agreement.
Trump recently announced a deal under which Russia would supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to American and global markets, with additional deliveries expected.
He said the arrangement could help increase fuel supplies and ease rising prices.
Zelensky criticised the decision, warning that Russian energy revenue could help finance Moscow’s war effort.
Trump has also urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian refineries, arguing that the strikes contribute to higher fuel prices.
The dispute has placed additional pressure on relations between Washington and Kyiv as both governments consider ways to end the conflict.
What Happens Next?
The future of the proposed energy ceasefire remains uncertain because its terms have not been fully explained and Russia had not publicly confirmed its acceptance at the time of the reports.
Ukraine has indicated that it is ready to participate if Moscow also stops attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
For now, the reported strikes in Kyiv and Kharkiv have raised questions about whether the announcement will lead to an immediate reduction in attacks.
The coming days will be important in determining whether Washington can secure a workable agreement and whether Russia and Ukraine will follow it.
A sustained halt to attacks on energy facilities could reduce risks to civilians. However, achieving that outcome will require both sides to demonstrate that they are prepared to respect the same restrictions.
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