Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to retaliate against ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure as European leaders reaffirm their support for Kyiv amid growing tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump over strikes targeting oil refineries.
Speaking Monday at a European security officials' meeting in Warsaw, Zelenskyy warned that if Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire this winter, Ukraine will respond with countermeasures. His remarks followed a recent surge in Russian missile and drone strikes aimed at Ukrainian electrical facilities, which have caused widespread power outages and water shortages ahead of the colder months.
On Sunday, Trump announced what he termed an “energy ceasefire” between Kyiv and Moscow, a claim Zelenskyy denied, stating that neither side had consented to such an agreement. Zelenskyy expressed surprise at Trump’s announcement, which coincided with a Russian drone attack on Kyiv. Hours later, Russia executed a targeted strike on a power station near Kharkiv, plunging much of the Ukrainian capital into darkness. Zelenskyy remarked wryly that Russian President Vladimir Putin “does not read Truth Social,” the platform where Trump made his statement.
Ukraine has sought to negotiate a pause in energy-related attacks to mitigate the strain on its grid before winter, but Russia has so far refused to halt assaults on critical infrastructure. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed cautious support for such a ceasefire, noting that while the EU “welcomes the energy ceasefire when it holds,” there is skepticism about Russia’s willingness to honor any agreement.
The dispute has widened after the United States lifted sanctions on Russian diesel imports, a move criticized by several European officials, particularly those from the Baltic states. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kėstutis Budrys described the decision as unhelpful to both the oil crisis and transatlantic unity, urging continued pressure on Russia instead.
The escalation in Russian attacks involves the use of jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles aimed at Ukraine’s energy system, significantly worsening conditions earlier than usual during the conflict. Trump attributed rising diesel prices to Ukraine’s bombardment of Russian refineries rather than broader global energy disruptions, such as those stemming from the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The controversy erupted on Friday when Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, seeking to lower fuel costs ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Zelenskyy responded sharply, calling the move “weak” and warning that it would funnel billions into Russia’s coffers to intensify its military campaign. Trump, in turn, criticized Zelenskyy for the refinery attacks and suggested Ukraine needed new leadership.
Zelenskyy dismissed Trump’s calls, emphasizing that Ukraine’s future leadership is determined by its citizens. In an interview, he indicated a willingness to consider elections and abide by Trump’s demands only if Russia agrees to a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire, underscoring the fraught dynamics between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington amidst ongoing hostilities.