Russian forces struck at least six Ukrainian energy sites on October 12, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, despite Donald Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire. Reuters reported the Ukrainian account on Monday. Kyiv said it remained ready for a reciprocal halt, while the reported attacks raised questions about whether the US initiative was taking effect.
Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop targeting each other's energy systems. Reuters reported that Zelenskyy was awaiting details and urged Washington to ensure Moscow complied. The announcement alone did not establish that both sides were observing an agreed suspension of attacks.
According to the Associated Press, Zelenskyy told the Warsaw Security Forum that targets hit after Trump's announcement included a power plant in Kharkiv, a gas production facility and a civilian petrol station. In a subsequent Fox News interview, he said Ukraine had refrained from striking Russian energy sites since the announcement. These accounts reflect the Ukrainian president's statements.
Separately, the Council of the European Union announced sanctions on 1,569 individuals and entities linked to Russia's military industry on Monday. The list covers 826 Russian companies and 743 company chiefs. The Council said the measures responded to Russia's continuing aggression and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The EU said the targeted suppliers provide components for missiles, drones and aircraft, including electronics and navigation equipment. The measures freeze listed parties' assets and prohibit making funds or economic resources available to them; listed individuals also face EU travel bans. The Council described this as its largest single set of listings under the regime protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity.
In his evening address, published by his office on October 12, Zelenskyy said air alerts and drone strikes had continued throughout the day. He said Ukrainian negotiators were in contact with Trump's team almost daily and again backed an energy ceasefire requiring Russian restraint. He called on Washington to use its influence to secure a reliable reduction in hostilities.
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