US President Donald Trump has announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, stating that both nations have agreed to cease attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed that he was not informed of any such agreement and would only accept it if Russia also commits to halting its assaults.
Trump made the ceasefire announcement via social media, though he did not provide specifics regarding its commencement or implementation. In response, Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine is willing to adhere to the ceasefire if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to the same conditions.
This development comes amid a dispute between Washington and Kyiv over Ukraine’s long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries. Trump had urged Ukraine to cease these attacks, while Zelenskyy insisted that Russia must first end its strikes against Ukrainian energy facilities. He further emphasized the necessity for reciprocal commitments and security guarantees to ensure compliance from Russia.
Despite Trump’s announcement, Zelenskyy reported ongoing Russian drone and airstrikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, including a thermal power station in Kharkiv, and repeated strikes on gas and oil facilities nationwide. The continuation of these attacks underscores Ukraine’s demand for a ceasefire that applies equally to both sides.
Tensions have escalated following Trump’s proposal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports, which he argued could reduce fuel prices before the US midterm elections. Zelenskyy criticized this decision, warning it could bolster Russia’s capacity to finance the war. Trump in turn criticized Zelenskyy for his unwillingness to compromise and suggested that Ukraine might benefit from new leadership. Zelenskyy responded that leadership decisions are for the Ukrainian people to make, adding that he would consider holding elections if Russia agreed to a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire.
The proposed ceasefire remains uncertain, with no clear confirmation from Russia regarding its agreement to the terms. This disagreement highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over the conditions necessary to end the war and the security guarantees required for a lasting peace. Zelenskyy has engaged with European and international leaders to bolster support for Ukraine, with several European leaders reiterating the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and calling for an immediate cessation of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.