Zelenskyy Rejects Trump’s Ceasefire Claim as Russia Strikes Ukrainian Grids

Key points

• Zelenskyy told Fox News that Ukraine honored the ceasefire by not striking Russian energy facilities, but Russia attacked Ukrainian gas and power infrastructure immediately after Trump’s announcement.
• Trump claimed on Truth Social that both sides agreed to the ceasefire, but the Kremlin has not confirmed the deal, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating only that 'contacts are ongoing.'
• Ukraine’s charge d’affaires in Washington reported that Russia struck electricity generation and transmission facilities more than 200 times over the week, including a power plant in Kyiv and a thermal plant in Kharkiv.
• Zelenskyy rejected Trump’s call for a new Ukrainian president, stating that only the Ukrainian people can change leadership, and argued that elections are impossible without a 60-day security pause.
• Zelenskyy disputed Trump’s claim that Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries are driving up U.S. diesel prices, pointing instead to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Background

This dispute follows a controversial U.S.-Russia diesel deal announced Friday, which critics argue provides Moscow with revenue while undermining sanctions. It also follows a similar failed energy ceasefire claim by Trump in September 2026. The current tension highlights a rift between Washington and Kyiv over the scope of the ceasefire, with the U.S. focusing on refineries and Ukraine prioritizing its electricity grid.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasized Zelenskyy’s support for the ceasefire as a 'good first step' while highlighting his call for more pressure on Russia. Axios noted that the proposal was lopsided, as Ukraine has only one refinery while Russia has a vast network, and reported that U.S. envoys threatened to cut intelligence sharing if Ukraine continued strikes. The Anchorage Daily News highlighted the skepticism of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who doubted Russia would respect the ceasefire, and detailed the immediate civilian casualties from continued Russian strikes.

Why it matters

The failure of the energy ceasefire risks prolonging the war and exacerbating energy shortages for Ukrainian civilians as winter approaches. The dispute also threatens U.S.-Ukraine relations, with Washington pressuring Kyiv to stop refinery strikes to lower fuel prices, while Kyiv demands reciprocal restraint from Moscow to protect its power grid.

What to watch

Ukraine is waiting for specific details from U.S.-Russian negotiations, while Russia has not confirmed the ceasefire. Zelenskyy has warned that if Moscow does not agree to an energy ceasefire this winter, Ukraine will respond. The U.S. is also considering halting weapons sales to Ukraine if strikes on Russian refineries continue.