Zelensky accused Russia of derailing US efforts for an energy truce
Russian troops on Monday, October 12, struck six energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, despite the US proposal to stop mutual attacks on energy facilities. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Moscow effectively ignored the initiative of American leader Donald Trump on an energy truce.
The head of the Ukrainian state said this on the social network X.
According to Zelensky, during the day Russian troops attacked six energy facilities. As a result of Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory, 33 people were injured.
The president linked the continuation of shelling to the prospect of increased Russian revenue from energy exports after Washington's decision to ease restrictions on supplies of Russian diesel fuel.
“This is what happens when Russia sees the prospect of increased revenue for its military machine,” — Zelensky emphasized.
Russia continued attacks after Trump's statement
On October 11, US President Donald Trump announced on his social network Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia allegedly agreed to immediately stop strikes on each other's energy infrastructure.
The American leader presented this as an achieved agreement, but did not disclose its terms, control mechanism, and possible consequences of violations.
The Ukrainian side expressed readiness to support mutual cessation of strikes, but emphasized the need for Russia's consent and fulfillment of the agreement by both sides.
Moscow did not confirm the existence of a finally agreed energy truce. Kremlin representatives limited themselves to reports of ongoing contacts.
Meanwhile, Russian troops continued to strike Ukrainian infrastructure. In particular, on October 12, an attack on an energy facility in Kharkiv region was reported.
Ukraine demands mutual cessation of strikes
Speaking on October 12 at the Warsaw Security Forum, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to abandon strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stops attacks on Ukrainian power plants, energy networks, and other critical infrastructure.
According to the president, the American side is well aware of Kyiv's position. He emphasized that for Ukraine, the cessation of attacks on the electric power industry is particularly important ahead of winter.
Zelensky also drew attention to the differences between the energy systems of the two countries. Russia has significant capacity for oil refining and export, while Ukraine depends on imports of a significant portion of petroleum products and needs protection of power plants and energy networks.
The president warned that if Russia refuses the energy truce and continues strikes, Ukraine will respond.
Thus, despite the initiative announced by Trump, there is no confirmed agreement on mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure yet.
Zelensky called for strengthening sanctions against Russia
Against the backdrop of new attacks, the President of Ukraine called on international partners to increase pressure on Russian enterprises involved in weapons production, primarily ballistic missiles and strike drones of the Shahed type.
Zelensky also thanked President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and the states of the European Union for adopting a new package of sanctions against the Russian military-industrial complex.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Ukrainian energy system remains difficult. According to Ukrenergo, on October 12, due to new Russian shelling, some consumers in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions were left without electricity.
In a number of regions, hourly power outage schedules and capacity restrictions for industrial enterprises remain in effect. Energy workers are carrying out restoration work, but warn that the situation may change depending on the consequences of new attacks.
At the time of Zelensky's statement, it was not confirmed that Russia agreed to the US-proposed energy truce. The issue of stopping strikes on energy infrastructure remains open.
Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrinform, Ukrenergo.