Russia’s UN Representative Says Ceasefire Unrealistic

Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations has dismissed the idea of a ceasefire in Ukraine, claiming that Kyiv is to blame for ongoing attacks on energy facilities. Speaking at a briefing on 18 April 2025, Vasyl Nebenzya said that a ceasefire is currently “unrealistic,” accusing Ukraine of violating an informal moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure.

Nebenzya stated that a limited ceasefire concerning energy targets had been attempted but was not honoured by the Ukrainian side. He offered no evidence for his claims and did not acknowledge the dozens of documented Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid and energy sites during the same period.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency continues to record explosions and gunfire near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under Russian military occupation. Drones have also been reported near the South Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant, increasing fears of a possible nuclear incident.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by highlighting that Russia had already violated the energy truce over 30 times, causing extensive damage to infrastructure. According to official data, Russian attacks during the 22-day period killed 72 Ukrainian civilians, including 11 children.

Despite this, Ukraine remains committed to seeking an extension of the temporary ceasefire arrangements to protect essential infrastructure and reduce civilian casualties. However, continued Russian violations have raised serious concerns about the credibility and practicality of such agreements.

Breakdown of recent ceasefire-related incidents: