Trump Claims Russia, Ukraine Agree to Energy Ceasefire as Kyiv Seeks Detail

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an energy ceasefire, although Ukraine has called for clarification and Moscow has yet to publicly respond to the announcement.

Trump said the proposed truce was effective immediately but did not provide details of the agreement or explain how compliance would be monitored.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially expressed surprise at the announcement, saying he was unaware that an energy ceasefire had taken effect. He later said Kyiv was ready to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow agreed to do the same.

“Ukraine is ready not to strike at Russian energy and we count on Russia’s similar readiness and on the agreement of the president of the United States of America on this,” Zelensky said in a social media post.

He added that Ukrainian officials were awaiting clear details of Washington’s discussions with Russia. The White House was also asked to clarify the terms of the proposed truce.

Zelensky Reports Fresh Strikes on Energy Facilities

Despite Trump’s announcement, Zelensky accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He said a Russian drone struck a power plant in Kyiv, causing power cuts, followed by strikes on energy facilities in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the reported attacks occurred after Trump’s statement about an energy ceasefire, raising questions about whether an agreement had been reached or implemented.

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged attacks on energy infrastructure throughout the four-year war. Moscow has argued that facilities supporting Ukraine’s military operations are legitimate targets, while Kyiv says its strikes on Russian territory are intended to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance the war.

The attacks have disrupted energy supplies on both sides, affecting infrastructure that supports civilian life and industrial activity.

Russian Diesel Deal Draws Criticism

Trump’s ceasefire announcement comes amid growing controversy over a recently reached deal involving the release of Russian diesel to the US and global markets, temporarily easing restrictions on Russian imports.

Zelensky criticised the arrangement, describing it as a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. European officials and politicians from both major US parties have also voiced opposition.

Seven US senators, including three Democrats and four Republicans, issued a joint statement arguing that the deal contradicted legislation restricting Russian energy imports while Moscow continued its aggression against Ukraine.

The senators urged the Trump administration to reverse its decision. Republican Senator Thom Tillis also warned that the arrangement could put American lives at risk.

The deal is part of Trump’s efforts to reduce domestic fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. Fuel costs have risen amid the war involving Iran, contributing to pressure on American consumers and broader inflation concerns.

Allies Back Call for Energy Truce

Several US allies have expressed support for Trump’s call for a sustained energy ceasefire. The United Kingdom, France, Canada and the European Union have all voiced support for efforts to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

However, the proposal’s practical details remain unclear, particularly whether Russia has agreed to the arrangement and how both sides would implement it.

The disagreement over Russian energy imports has also exposed differences among Western governments over how to balance energy supply concerns with continued pressure on Moscow over the war.

Trump and Zelensky Clash Over Ukraine’s Leadership

The latest dispute follows Trump’s criticism of Zelensky over Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of creating problems for the world and suggested that Ukraine should elect a new president.

Zelensky has said he would hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day total ceasefire. Ukraine’s constitution suspends elections during wartime, while the government has cited security challenges, Russian occupation and active fighting as major obstacles to organising a vote.

Trump has repeatedly accused Zelensky of using the war to remain in office, claims the Ukrainian leader has disputed through his continued insistence on security guarantees and conditions for elections.

Fighting Continues Despite Ceasefire Claim

Military operations have continued on the ground amid uncertainty over the proposed energy truce.

Regional officials reported that six people were killed in attacks on two Ukrainian cities on Sunday. Separately, officials reported one death in Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, and another in a drone attack in Russian-occupied Donetsk.

The latest developments have raised questions about whether the proposed ceasefire can translate into a reduction in attacks on critical infrastructure. Until the terms are clarified and both sides confirm their commitment, the status of the reported agreement remains uncertain.