Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, on Monday accused Russia of violating a claimed ceasefire that Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, claimed had been agreed upon over the past weekend.
Ceasefire Details
Trump unilaterally announced on Sunday night on social media that "both sides" had agreed to a "energy ceasefire" that "takes effect immediately." However, Zelensky quickly stated in an interview with a news website after this claim that this ceasefire was "news to me."
Ceasefire Violations and Zelensky's Reaction
Zelensky stated at the annual "Warsaw Security Forum" that last night, Russian violations of the energy ceasefire announced by Trump occurred, while the mayor of Kharkiv reported that at least 12 people were injured in attacks on energy facilities.
He said, "It is clear that [Vladimir] Putin does not pay attention to Trump's social network." Zelensky added that if Russia stops attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure, he is also ready to adhere to an agreement not to attack energy facilities.
Zelensky also stated, "This ceasefire can work and can be a big step towards ending the war if the Americans really take action now and ensure that the Russians respect it." He emphasized that he expects the Americans to take a specific step to guarantee this ceasefire.
International Reactions
Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign affairs chief, announced on Monday at a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg that the Union welcomes the energy ceasefire if adhered to, but pointed out that they have yet to see Russia comply with this ceasefire.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, also emphasized the need for a "real ceasefire" from both sides, stating, "I have not seen any energy ceasefire from Russia in the past 48 hours."
The Russian government also announced on Monday that Putin would only consider a ceasefire for one day if presidential elections in Ukraine were held. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, also stated, "I don't think he deserves a break."
