Russian forces conducted missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure on Sunday, October 11, 2026, including a thermal power plant in Kharkiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a power plant in Kharkiv was hit twice and caught fire, while another facility in Kyiv was also targeted. These actions occurred hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine had been reached and was effective immediately.
The reports of strikes follow a Friday announcement by Trump that he had reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to global and American markets. As part of this arrangement, the U.S. agreed to lift certain sanctions on Russia. Zelenskyy stated he was surprised by the Sunday ceasefire announcement, which he learned of via social media, but noted that Ukraine would agree to such a pause if Russia also followed through.
On Saturday, October 10, Russian glide bombs struck residential areas in Zaporizhzhia, killing 20 people, including three children. Following that attack, Trump told reporters at the White House that Ukraine should seek a "new leader," accusing Zelenskyy of refusing to make a deal and driving up fuel prices by authorizing strikes on Russian oil refineries. Zelenskyy characterized the lifting of diesel sanctions as a benefit to Moscow that preceded the deadly Saturday bombardment.
The policy shift lifts sanctions on Russian energy exports during an active conflict, a move that has drawn opposition from congressional Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) criticized the agreement, while some Republicans have also expressed opposition to the deal and the president's comments regarding the Ukrainian leadership. The immediate impact on global markets remains uncertain as Ukraine has continued to target Russian facilities to disrupt Moscow’s revenue, despite the U.S. president's public directive to cease such attacks.
What happens next depends on whether Russia acknowledges or adheres to the ceasefire claimed by the White House. While Trump stated the ceasefire was effective immediately on October 11, Russian officials have not publicly confirmed the agreement. Ukrainian forces remain under orders to respond to attacks, and Zelenskyy stated he is awaiting specific details of the dialogue between Washington and Moscow. Further diplomatic meetings between Ukrainian officials and U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham are scheduled for the coming days.