Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for an 'energy ceasefire' proposed by US President Donald Trump, despite ongoing attacks on Ukrainian power plants by Russia.
What happened
US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an 'energy ceasefire', which he claimed was effective immediately. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially expressed surprise at the announcement, stating that it was 'news' to him. Zelensky later said that Ukraine would support the ceasefire if Russia did, but accused Russia of continuing to strike Ukrainian energy facilities.
Zelensky reported that Russia had hit a power plant in Kyiv with a drone, causing power cuts, and also struck energy facilities in the north-eastern Kharkiv region. These attacks occurred after Trump's announcement of the energy ceasefire.
The proposed ceasefire is part of a deal to release diesel to the US and the global market, which has attracted criticism from European officials and some US politicians. Zelensky has characterized the deal as a 'gift' to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Other countries, including the UK, France, Canada, and the EU, have expressed support for the energy ceasefire. However, some politicians have criticized the deal, arguing that it runs counter to a law banning Russian energy imports.
