WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have hit a major setback, with Moscow officially ending a temporary moratorium on strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The move, confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday, comes as Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities, casting doubt on the feasibility of a short-term truce.
Peskov stated that the moratorium, which had been one of the few commitments Trump secured from Russian President Vladimir Putin, had “expired,” with no new instructions issued by the Russian leader.
The lack of a monitoring mechanism, coupled with mutual accusations of violations, rendered the moratorium ineffective.
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from France, acknowledged the urgency of determining whether a ceasefire deal is possible.
“If it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on,” Rubio said before departing from Le Bourget airport.
Meanwhile, Russia intensified its offensive overnight, launching at least six missiles and dozens of drones into northeastern Ukraine. Strikes in Kharkiv and Sumy killed two civilians and wounded 70 others.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them a “mockery” of Ukrainians ahead of Easter, and accused Russia of using the holiday to inflict maximum psychological damage.
Moscow claimed its targets included key drone production sites and military airfields.
The renewed escalation comes amid mounting concerns over Trump’s handling of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship.
Since returning to office, Trump has sought closer ties with the Kremlin, raising alarm in Kyiv and among European allies.
Last month, Putin dismissed a joint U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, while conditioning a truce in the Black Sea on the lifting of Western sanctions.
Adding to the tension, Trump has expressed frustration with Zelensky and is pursuing a deal that would grant the U.S. significant access to Ukraine’s rare mineral resources.
A memorandum of intent published Friday outlines a plan for the U.S. to receive royalty payments from Ukrainian mining operations as compensation for aid provided during the Biden administration.
Ukraine’s prime minister is scheduled to visit Washington next week to finalize the agreement.
European partners, largely excluded from the peace process, participated in recent meetings in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, the presence of Trump ally and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has stirred controversy.
Zelensky accused Witkoff of echoing Russian narratives, particularly regarding Ukrainian territories occupied by Moscow.
Witkoff has suggested that a peace deal may hinge on Ukraine recognizing Russia’s claims over five regions, including Crimea.
Zelensky has strongly rejected such terms, asserting that Ukraine will not cede sovereign territory in any negotiation.
Meanwhile, international scrutiny continues over China’s role in the conflict.
Zelensky alleged that Beijing may be supplying arms to Russia, a claim denied by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, who said China “has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the conflict.”
