WASHINGTON, Oct 12 — US President Donald Trump sowed confusion yesterday, announcing an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia that sparked astonishment in Kyiv, silence from Moscow and support from Ukraine’s Western allies.
But the ceasefire appeared shaky at best as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia struck multiple Ukrainian power plants yesterday, including one in the capital and another in Kharkiv, leading to power outages and outrage.
Trump’s announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, prompting outrage by European allies and Kyiv, who said it would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said early yesterday on Truth Social. “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”
