Zelensky says Russia breaching Trump's proposed energy ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russia has disregarded an informal understanding to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, following a fresh barrage of strikes that devastated Kyiv's power grid on Thursday. The attacks resulted in at least four deaths and left approximately 600,000 residents without electricity, compounding the country's ongoing energy crisis as winter approaches.

The accusations centre on an apparent agreement—brokered or endorsed by incoming US president Donald Trump—to spare critical infrastructure from bombardment. Zelensky suggested that Moscow's continued targeting of power stations and related facilities demonstrates a fundamental disrespect for any diplomatic framework involving the American president, who has previously signalled willingness to engage in peace negotiations.

Russia has not publicly acknowledged any such ceasefire agreement. The strikes represent an escalation in Moscow's campaign against Ukraine's infrastructure, which has been a consistent feature of the conflict. Ukrainian authorities have been grappling with widespread blackouts throughout the winter months, affecting millions of civilians and hampering reconstruction efforts.

The incident underscores the fragile state of any potential diplomatic efforts and raises questions about whether informal agreements can hold without formal verification mechanisms. As discussions about a potential settlement continue, Ukraine's civilian population remains vulnerable to attacks on essential services.