Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced on Monday that Russia has continued its attacks, despite Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stating on Sunday that an agreement for an energy ceasefire had been reached.
Ceasefire Claims and Zelensky's Reaction
Trump unilaterally announced on social media that "both sides" had agreed to an energy ceasefire that "takes effect immediately." However, Zelensky quickly responded to this claim, stating that this ceasefire was "news to me."
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On Monday, Zelensky stated at the annual Warsaw Security Forum that overnight, Russia continued to violate the energy ceasefire announced by Trump, and the mayor of Kharkiv reported at least 12 people injured in attacks on energy facilities.
Need for Security Guarantees for Ceasefire
Zelensky further stated: "It is clear that [Vladimir] Putin does not pay attention to Trump's social media." He added: "If Russia wants us to stop our long-range attacks on its refineries and oil exports, it must stop its attacks on our energy system and critical infrastructure and cease the killing of our people."
Zelensky also expressed his readiness to support an agreement that includes a non-attack on energy infrastructure, but emphasized that such a ceasefire must be accompanied by security guarantees. He said: "This ceasefire can work and can be an important step towards ending the war if the Americans really step in now and ensure that the Russians respect it."
Finally, Zelensky added: "If Russia does not agree to the energy ceasefire, we will respond." Additionally, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign affairs chief, stated at a meeting of the Union's foreign ministers in Luxembourg that the bloc "welcomes an energy ceasefire if it materializes," but noted: "We have yet to see Russia adhere to it."
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, also stressed the need for a "real ceasefire" by both sides, stating: "I have not seen any energy ceasefire from Russia in the past 48 hours." Meanwhile, the Russian government announced that Putin would only consider a ceasefire if Ukraine intends to hold presidential elections.
