Zelensky says Russia struck six Ukrainian energy sites despite Trump announcing ceasefire

What happened

BBC Europe Ukraine reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that six Ukrainian energy sites have been hit by Russian strikes since US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on energy infrastructure. Zelensky stated the strikes targeted gas stations, energy infrastructure, and other facilities, causing blackouts including in Izyum and prompting new power cuts in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Despite Trump’s declaration on Sunday that the energy ceasefire would be "effective immediately," the Ukrainian side contends that Russia has continued such strikes, describing them as an unwillingness to accept the ceasefire. Zelensky attributed the attacks as a possible response by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Trump’s announcement. Ukraine’s state news agency Ukrinform confirmed that damage to power grids and railway infrastructure occurred overnight.

The ongoing attacks add to a pattern of reciprocal strikes on energy infrastructure from both sides, with Moscow framing such targets as legitimate military objects and Kyiv aiming to reduce Russia’s war financing capabilities. BBC Verify analysis has found increased attacks on energy facilities during the lead-up to winter, with significantly more strikes recorded in 2026 compared to 2025 on both Russian and Ukrainian-controlled sites. This undermines efforts to stabilise energy supplies in the region at a crucial time.

Known from the source

• Six Ukrainian energy sites were reportedly struck by Russia after Trump announced an energy ceasefire.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky said 33 people were injured in strikes on energy infrastructure.
• Blackouts occurred in Izyum, and power cuts affected Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia after Russian attacks.
• Zelensky called the strikes proof that Russia is not respecting the energy ceasefire.
• Kyiv’s mayor reported a drone strike on a residential building causing one death and 11 injuries.

What remains unclear

On the diplomatic front, the ceasefire announcement has received mixed reactions. While Zelensky expressed cautious support for the ceasefire as a major step if enforced, he highlighted that Ukraine was not party to any agreed truce at the time of the strikes. European leaders including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed conditional support for the ceasefire, though Kallas noted doubts about Russia’s compliance. Estonia’s foreign minister meanwhile declared the ceasefire was "not working."

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of the six specific strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities attributed to Russia after Trump’s ceasefire announcement. Verification of injury and casualty numbers provided by Zelensky and Kyiv’s mayor. Official acknowledgement by Russian authorities confirming or denying continuation of strikes post-ceasefire announcement.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: BBC Europe Ukraine. Open the source.