When Trump first announced the ceasefire on Sunday, Zelensky said it was «news to him» that a truce was in effect, but he backed the proposed ceasefire as a «major step toward ending the war, if the Americans truly step in now and make sure Russians respect the energy ceasefire».
For months, Ukraine and Russia have been exchanging strikes on energy infrastructure, disrupting energy supplies on both sides.
Moscow has said the installations it hits are legitimate targets as they support Ukraine’s military operation, while Zelensky has characterised Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russian territory as part of an effort to «reduce Russia’s ability to finance the war».
Analysis by BBC Verify on both Ukrainian and Russian strikes during the war have found both sides have increased their attacks in the lead up to the next winter.
In 2026, BBC Verify has recorded 273 strikes on Russian-controlled oil and gas facilities, more than double the 124 recorded over the same period in 2025.
Separately, analysis of data aggregated by global conflict monitor, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (Acled), recorded 2.4 times as many reported Russian attacks affecting Ukraine’s energy network so far this year.
