Zelenskyy welcomes US-announced energy ceasefire

On 11 October, Russian forces targeted the CHP-5 thermal power plant in Kharkiv, Ukraine, shortly after US President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Despite Trump's claim, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Kyiv played no role in the agreement, which Moscow also did not participate in.

Over the past week, Russia launched more than 200 strikes on Ukraine's power generation and transmission infrastructure, along with 17 attacks on its gas and oil facilities, resulting in over 150 fatalities and more than 700 injuries, according to Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian leader expressed willingness to cease its own strikes against Russian energy installations if Moscow reciprocated. However, he emphasized that such a development must become a reality for it to be effective. Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine has extended various de-escalation measures to Russia, but the Russian leader has consistently rejected them all. He expressed hope that Putin would eventually provide a response other than continued killing and deception, one that could pave the way for genuine peace.

Ukraine's Armed Forces have been fully prepared to defend the nation, as confirmed by Zelenskyy. Allies have also stepped forward to offer support, including members of the US Congress, UK Prime Minister, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Norway's Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Ukraine is actively seeking additional financing for its defense and budget stability through partnerships with the European Union, as well as preparing to increase the workforce at its weapons plants.