Russia Accuses Ukraine of Energy Strikes Despite U.S.-Brokered Moratorium

Russia's Defense Ministry claims Ukraine has escalated attacks on its energy infrastructure, alleging 14 strikes in 24 hours despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement. The ministry reported on Telegram that Ukraine intensified drone and artillery attacks on power-related facilities in the Bryansk, Belgorod, Smolensk, Lipetsk, and Voronezh regions, as well as parts of occupied Luhansk and Kherson.

Ukraine’s military swiftly denied the accusations, labeling them as “fake” and “disinformation,” asserting it only targets military infrastructure. Kyiv had previously declared a halt to strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as of March 18, following a 30-day moratorium proposed by the U.S. in a renewed diplomatic effort by President Donald Trump to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.

Despite the agreement, both nations have accused each other of breaching the truce, further complicating peace efforts. The latest accusations come amid rising tensions and mutual distrust, with no independent verification of the alleged energy strikes by Reuters.

Meanwhile, Russian regional governors reported separate drone strikes by Ukraine on industrial facilities. In Mordovia, a plant in Saransk—reportedly an optical fiber factory—was hit. In the Samara region, drones struck a facility in Chapaevsk, which Ukrainian sources claimed was a plant producing industrial explosives, triggering multiple blasts and fires.

Adding to the volatility, a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine on Friday killed at least 19 people, including nine children. Russia claimed the strike targeted a military gathering, which Ukrainian officials dismissed as another act of disinformation.

As drone warfare and misinformation escalate, the conflict shows no signs of slowing, despite international mediation efforts.