Donald Trump has stated that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an 'energy ceasefire,' with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicating support for the concept, although Moscow has not commented. Trump asserted that the ceasefire was 'effective immediately' but did not provide specific details. Zelensky expressed surprise at the announcement, stating that Kyiv would support it if Moscow did. He accused Russia of targeting Ukrainian energy facilities following Trump's statement.
Trump has been advocating for Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which Kyiv argues are essential to limiting revenue for Moscow's military efforts. This is linked to a recent agreement that temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian diesel exports to the US and global markets, a move that has faced increasing criticism. Zelensky referred to the deal as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin, with European officials and some US politicians, including members of Trump's Republican party, expressing opposition.
The diesel agreement is part of Trump's strategy to reduce domestic fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections, as rising global fuel prices, particularly for diesel, have negatively affected his public standing. Zelensky noted that he was unaware of any energy truce in his comments to Axios and stated that Ukraine is prepared not to strike Russian energy assets, contingent on Russia's similar commitment and the agreement of the US president.
The BBC has sought further clarification from the White House regarding the situation. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed strong support for Trump's call for an energy ceasefire, with backing also from France, Canada, and the EU. However, Zelensky reported that Russia had attacked a power plant in Kyiv, leading to power outages, and conducted strikes on energy facilities in the Kharkiv region shortly after Trump's announcement.
Both Ukraine and Russia have been targeting each other's energy infrastructure for months, with Moscow asserting that its strikes target installations that support Ukraine's military operations. Zelensky has characterized Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory as necessary to diminish Russia's capacity to fund the war.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the UK does not support the diesel deal, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed Zelensky's concerns. The agreement has drawn criticism from both major US political parties, with seven senators, including three Democrats and four Republicans, stating that it contradicts a law prohibiting Russian energy imports until Russia ceases its aggression against Ukraine.
Senator Thom Tillis remarked that the deal 'absolutely will' endanger American lives. In response to Zelensky's criticism of the diesel deal, Trump suggested that it was time for Ukraine to consider a new president. Zelensky has indicated a willingness to hold elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire, although he has previously resisted calls for elections due to the ongoing war.
Strikes and fighting continue in the conflict, with reports indicating that six people were killed in attacks on two Ukrainian cities on Sunday, while one individual was killed in Russia's Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, and another in a drone attack in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region.