Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Russian Energy Sites Question Ceasefire
The Russian Defense Ministry has accused Ukraine of breaching a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement by carrying out fresh drone attacks on critical energy infrastructure inside Russian territory.
According to a statement released today, Ukrainian forces launched strikes on multiple energy facilities in Russia’s Kursk Region. The attacks reportedly damaged a power substation and a transmission line, leaving approximately 1,500 residents without electricity.
“These strikes are part of an ongoing pattern of Ukrainian drone and artillery assaults on Russian energy infrastructure,” the ministry stated. It also highlighted the apparent contradiction between these attacks and recent public assurances from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding adherence to restrictions on such operations.
Later in the day, the state energy provider Luganskgaz, which operates in the Russian-controlled Lugansk People's Republic, confirmed a drone strike on one of its gas distribution stations. The incident triggered a fire and temporarily disrupted gas supply to more than 11,000 customers. According to the company, emergency teams have since restored partial service.
Ceasefire in Question
The temporary ceasefire on strikes targeting energy infrastructure was proposed during a direct phone conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in March. The Russian side swiftly agreed, issuing an immediate halt to such attacks. Russian forces even intercepted seven of their own drones mid-flight to comply with the directive, the defense ministry noted.
In line with the truce, Moscow recently published a list of protected energy targets covered by the 30-day moratorium, which it said could be extended if both sides comply. However, Russia warned that any violation would nullify its commitment to the agreement.
While President Zelensky welcomed the truce publicly and called it a “diplomatic victory” for Ukraine, he has not issued any formal or public orders instructing the Ukrainian military to halt its operations against Russian energy sites. This gap between public statements and military actions has led Moscow to question Kyiv's true intentions.
Ongoing Tensions Despite Truce
Russian officials claim that daily violations of the ceasefire by Ukrainian forces undermine the credibility of Kyiv’s commitment to the agreement. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently criticized Ukraine’s stance, arguing that its actions reflect a disregard for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The continued targeting of energy infrastructure raises concerns about the stability of the already fragile ceasefire and the broader implications for energy security and civilian welfare in the affected regions.