Ukraine reports strikes on seven power facilities after the US-backed ceasefire; Washington reportedly warns Kyiv against deep strikes on Russian refineries
Washington, October 13: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more eager to strike a peace deal than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His remarks came just as Kyiv accused Moscow of ignoring a newly announced, US-backed ceasefire on energy infrastructure.
Asked how he would make sure Russia honoured the truce, Trump said the challenge was getting Zelenskyy to want a deal. He said he was unsure about reports of Russian violations and claimed there had been breaches “on both sides.”
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to guarantee the ceasefire, but there was no sign that Russia was complying. According to CBS News, Ukraine reported that Russia struck a power plant in the east hours after the announcement, and six more energy facilities had been hit by Monday afternoon.
CBS also reported that US officials have warned Kyiv against continuing long-range strikes on Russian energy sites. They reportedly threatened to suspend intelligence sharing and restrict weapons purchases under the PURL programme.
Trump’s previous attempts at energy truces have either failed to take hold or collapsed quickly. In January, Russia hit Kyiv’s power plants just days after he said Putin had promised a pause.
The stakes are high on both sides. Russian strikes have caused blackouts in Ukraine ahead of winter. The International Energy Agency says Ukrainian attacks have cut Russian diesel output by about 30% this year
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