At least three killed by Russian drones in Ukraine which cut power to 370,000

Russia and Ukraine exchanged blows in a renewed escalation of hostilities following the collapse of what was described as a Trump-proposed "energy ceasefire." According to multiple sources, Moscow launched a record number of drones overnight targeting infrastructure in central Ukraine, while Kyiv reportedly resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries, defying calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The developments mark a sharp turn in the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of violating the informal truce. The situation escalated dramatically after Trump publicly urged Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing concerns over rising global diesel prices. However, Kyiv appears to have abandoned the so-called ceasefire, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declaring in an interview with the Financial Times that the restriction on attacking refineries was lifted. “The block is out. We’re done,” he stated, signaling a return to full-scale offensive operations against Russian energy infrastructure. In response, Russia alleged that Ukraine had attacked two oil refineries in the Saratov and Ryazan regions, a claim denied by Ukrainian officials. Dmytro Lytvyn, an advisor to Zelenskyy, called the accusation “fake,” insisting that refineries were not among the targets. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces struck back, hitting four Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and damaging two more using a Neptune cruise missile. They also targeted an airfield in Russia's Voronezh region, according to Zelenskyy. The violence extended beyond land, with incidents reported in the Black Sea. Romanian President Nicuşor Dan confirmed that two Russian drones had entered Romanian airspace and struck two chemical tankers in the Danube River estuary, causing fires and leaving at least seven sailors missing. “The situation in the Black Sea is serious,” Dan said, emphasizing that attacks on commercial vessels are unacceptable and must be stopped. In Ukraine, more than 360 Russian drones targeted the Kirovohrad region, killing three people and injuring six. Regional Governor Andriy Raikovych described the attacks as deliberate, focusing on critical infrastructure, transport networks, and residential areas. Zelenskyy accused Russia of escalating attacks after receiving sanctions relief and amid tensions with the Trump administration. He emphasized the need for honest support from Western allies, stating, “It is important that everyone in America stand not with the aggressor, but with our efforts to protect lives, end this war, and guarantee security.” The collapse of the energy ceasefire came amid ongoing disputes over U.S. support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy criticized what he viewed as Trump’s willingness to engage with Russia, noting a perceived admiration for Vladimir Putin and wealthy individuals. He reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to comply with the ceasefire if Russia reciprocated, though the Kremlin has not acknowledged such conditions. In Russia, officials reported shooting down 900 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 180 near Moscow. The Russian government claimed these actions were part of a broader effort to defend against Ukrainian aggression, although the extent of damage to specific targets remains unclear. Meanwhile, the Ryazan region’s governor, Pavel Malkov, confirmed that a Ukrainian drone attack had caused a fire at a local refinery, though there were no casualties reported. The incident highlights the fragile nature of international diplomacy in the ongoing conflict. While the U.S. sought to mediate through Trump’s proposal, the lack of mutual agreement and continued hostilities suggest that the energy ceasefire was never truly effective. As the situation unfolds, the focus will remain on whether either side can find common ground or if further escalations are inevitable.