Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over violations of a US-mediated agreement aimed at halting attacks on energy infrastructure, complicating efforts to secure a broader peace deal.
Russia’s Defense Ministry alleged that Ukrainian drones struck an electricity facility in Bryansk on Wednesday and a power grid in Kursk on Tuesday, causing widespread power outages. Moscow accused Ukraine of undermining the US-Russia negotiations aimed at de-escalating the war. In response, Ukraine’s General Staff dismissed the allegations as part of a Russian disinformation campaign, aimed at justifying continued hostilities.
Ceasefire Agreement in Jeopardy
The accusations surfaced shortly after Washington announced an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to suspend strikes on energy facilities and ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea. The deal followed three days of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, with both sides tentatively agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire.
However, conflicting statements emerged about the timing and implementation of the truce. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had committed to halting attacks on energy infrastructure immediately, warning of “strong retaliation” if Russia resumed strikes. Meanwhile, the Kremlin claimed that Russia had refrained from targeting Ukrainian energy facilities since March 18, when President Vladimir Putin agreed to a ceasefire in a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov affirmed that Moscow remained committed to the ceasefire despite Ukrainian violations, emphasizing “constructive” relations with Washington. Ukrainian officials, however, countered that Russian attacks had continued unabated, with Zelenskyy’s communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn reporting at least eight confirmed strikes on Ukrainian energy sites.
Black Sea Shipping Deal and Sanctions Debate
In addition to the energy ceasefire, the US facilitated a tentative agreement ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, prohibiting military use of commercial vessels. This agreement seeks to revive elements of a 2022 UN-Turkey brokered deal that Russia had later abandoned.
The Kremlin, however, linked the implementation of the Black Sea agreement to the lifting of sanctions on Russian financial institutions, including the Russian Agricultural Bank’s access to the SWIFT payment system. Zelenskyy dismissed these conditions, insisting that the ceasefire at sea should be “unconditional” and calling for sustained international pressure on Moscow.
US and Global Reactions
The White House acknowledged Russia’s demands and stated it would consider measures to ease restrictions on Russia’s agricultural and fertilizer exports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington was evaluating Moscow’s requests before presenting recommendations to President Trump.
Rubio emphasized the complexity of the negotiations, stating, “It’s not going to be easy. It won’t be simple. But at least we’re on the road toward dialogue and testing what’s possible.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the Black Sea commitments, highlighting their importance in maintaining global food security and supply chains. However, the UN has not confirmed whether it will play a role in monitoring the agreement’s implementation.
As tensions persist, the success of the US-brokered agreements remains uncertain, with both sides reluctant to fully trust each other’s commitments. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can ease hostilities or whether the conflict will escalate further.
