Zelensky says Russia hit Ukraine’s energy sectors 76 times since ceasefire
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday exempting Russia from sweeping economic penalties adopted by Congress, a move that sparked criticism including from Republicans. Trump has also waived sanctions on Russian diesel imports and has blasted Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries as a “disgrace.”
Ukraine said Sunday morning that 11 people were killed and around 50 were injured in Russian missile and drone strikes in the previous 24 hours, with energy facilities around Odesa among the targets. “Since the American President announced the energy ceasefire a week ago, Russia has deliberately attacked Ukraine’s energy and oil and gas sectors 76 times,” Zelensky posted on social media Sunday.
Ukrainian drones hit a major oil terminal and a data center, cutting power to thousands of residents in St. Petersburg and causing fires. Russian officials said the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal was among the targets; the facility can process 12.5 million tons annually. A logistics center in St. Petersburg was also targeted, with one person killed and five others injured, according to local officials. Russia’s defense ministry said it downed more than 1,000 of Ukraine’s drones in various areas of the country.
The attack came a week after Trump announced that Kyiv and Moscow had agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Russia never acknowledged the agreement, while Ukraine said it was open to one. The White House has sought to relieve pressure on oil and diesel prices ahead of crucial midterm elections, according to UPI. The overnight strikes by Kyiv came amid what UPI described as Zelensky’s souring relationship with Trump.