The Kremlin states that Ukrainian forces are continuing to launch airstrikes despite a partial ceasefire agreement, suggesting that Kyiv may have lost control over its military. The comments came from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who said Ukraine’s Armed Forces appear to be acting independently of their political leadership.
The 30-day ceasefire, brokered jointly by the United States and Russia, was intended to halt strikes on critical energy infrastructure. Although Ukraine publicly expressed support for the agreement, Moscow alleges that attacks have persisted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a pause in strikes on Ukraine’s energy systems on March 18, following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The call focused on Washington’s proposal to de-escalate attacks on strategic energy facilities, which Moscow initially welcomed.
According to Peskov, "It appears the Ukrainian leadership is no longer in control of its armed forces when it comes to decisions around targeting energy infrastructure." He also stated that Russia continues to experience daily attempted strikes on its own infrastructure.
As part of the truce, Russia and the U.S. had agreed on a list of protected sites, including nuclear power stations, oil and gas facilities, and hydroelectric plants. It remains unclear, however, whether Kyiv issued corresponding directives to its forces after the agreement was made.
Despite the violations, Moscow has indicated it will continue to observe the ceasefire as a goodwill gesture towards the United States. However, Russia’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that it reserves the right to withdraw from the deal if Ukrainian attacks persist.
"If Ukraine has joined the ceasefire and given the appropriate orders, those orders are evidently not being followed," Peskov said, calling it evidence of a "complete breakdown of command" within the Ukrainian military.
Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian strikes had hit energy facilities in Russia’s Belgorod, Kursk, and Saratov regions within the past 24 hours. The Ministry also released video footage purportedly showing damage caused by one of the incidents. Similar violations have reportedly been documented since the agreement came into effect.