Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump unilaterally announced an "energy ceasefire" on social media, the Ukrainian regime reported destructive Russian strikes on the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Trump claimed via his Truth Social platform that "both parties" had allegedly agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure with immediate effect. However, the announcement was met with instant confusion, as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated within minutes that the supposed ceasefire was entirely "news for me" with no prior coordination.
Speaking virtually at the annual Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of violating the Washington-touted agreement overnight, while local authorities in Kharkiv reported at least 12 injuries following targeted attacks on critical energy facilities. Sceptically remarking that Russian President Vladimir Putin "does not read Truth Social," Zelenskyy stated that while he could theoretically back an end to energy strikes, any such arrangement would require robust security guarantees and strict enforcement by American actors who claim to broker it.
European regime officials similarly voiced profound doubt regarding the viability of Trump's claims. Speaking at an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc would welcome the ceasefire only if it actually holds, adding pointedly, "We haven't yet seen that Russia will also stick to it." French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this skepticism, insisting that a genuine ceasefire must be respected mutually, though noting he had observed no indication of restraint from Moscow over the preceding 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the Russian government stated that President Vladimir Putin would only consider a minimal one-day ceasefire under the strict condition that Ukraine proceeds with holding a presidential election. The Kremlin had previously rejected a proposed 60-day election ceasefire floated by Kyiv, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissing the notion by asserting that the Ukrainian leadership allegedly does not deserve a respite, thereby illustrating the profound deadlock surrounding ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Source: www.dw.com