Russian strikes hit energy facilities in Kyiv despite Trump ceasefire

Donald Trump announced a mutual energy halt, but Kyiv officials said Russian strikes hit power targets Monday. The continued strikes leave Ukrainian cities facing disrupted power systems despite the purported deal. Moscow did not immediately comment on the deal.

The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office said forces attacked an energy facility on Monday. The targeted utility site sits on the outskirts of Kharkiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that he welcomed the announcement from Trump. However, Zelenskyy said strikes still hit infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Trump posted Sunday on social media that both nations agreed to halt energy strikes. The post stated the pause took effect immediately and added, “Do not break it!”

Trump previously claimed on Sept. 14 that both countries agreed not to hit energy infrastructure. He offered no details on that proposal, and nothing came of it.

Russian strikes aim to deny power, heat and water during the 4 1/2-year-old war. Ukrainian officials describe this strategy as weaponizing winter.

Kyiv has struck Russian oil refineries deep inside Russian territory. Trump blamed Zelenskyy for high U.S. diesel prices ahead of midterm elections.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would stop striking Russian refineries if Moscow halted grid attacks. He asked Trump to press the Kremlin to agree.

Allies Question Agreement

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke Monday in Luxembourg. She said she sees no sign that Moscow will respect any pause.

Kallas said she would welcome a pause that prevents people from being killed. She stressed that European nations must continue supporting Ukrainian defense efforts.

Trump agreed Friday to purchase diesel from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The purchase aims to lower fuel prices before U.S. midterm elections.

European and Ukrainian officials said the diesel purchase helps fund the Russian war effort. Several EU foreign ministers said the deal will not lower fuel prices.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the fuel agreement connects to domestic American politics. He added that the deal will not change fuel prices.

Kallas also responded to comments Trump made Saturday calling for a new Ukrainian leader. She said Ukraine cannot hold elections without a ceasefire.

Weekend Strikes Cause Casualties

A Russian drone hit the village of Pisochyn in Kharkiv district Sunday evening. The attack killed three people and injured nine others, including children.

Prosecutors said the strike occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. near apartment buildings. The impact sparked a fire near local grocery stores.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 89 of 121 drones overnight Monday. The barrage included 76 jet-powered Shahed drones and one Kh-59 missile.

Debris fell at four locations across the country. Strikes hit 15 locations in Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted 151 Ukrainian drones overnight. Those interceptions occurred over Russian regions, Crimea and the Black Sea.

Russian defense officials reported strikes on unspecified port sites overnight. They also reported hitting a bulk carrier bound for Odesa carrying military cargo.

International ceasefires require formal monitoring protocols agreed upon by all participating combatants. Without enforcement mechanisms, local utility providers in Kyiv must repair grid damage under active fire conditions.

Ukrainian repair crews continue working to restore power transmission lines across damaged areas.