Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine effective immediately, but provided no supporting details and Russia has not responded to the claim.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinky expressed surprise at the announcement, then stated Kyiv would support such a move if Moscow agreed to it. Hours after Trump's announcement, Zelinky accused Russia of striking Ukrainian energy facilities in Kyiv and the Kharkiv region, undermining the claimed truce.
The announcement appears linked to a separate diesel deal. Trump has been pressuring Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. That pressure aims to allow Russia to supply diesel to the US market under a temporary sanctions exemption. Zelinky called the diesel deal "a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin."
The diesel arrangement has drawn sharp criticism across Europe and from US lawmakers of both parties. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK does not support it. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed Zelinky's criticism. Seven US senators, including three Democrats and four Republicans, published a statement saying Trump's deal "runs directly counter" to US law explicitly banning Russian energy imports. Republican Senator Thom Tillis told NBC News the deal "absolutely will" put American lives at risk.
Trump has framed the energy ceasefire as a means to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of midterm elections. Higher global fuel prices, particularly diesel, have driven inflation and damaged Trump's public approval rating.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated Britain "strongly supports President Trump's call today for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now." France, Canada and the EU also expressed support for a ceasefire concept, though some of these same actors oppose the diesel deal.
Tension between Trump and Zelinky escalated when Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of wanting to "make problems for the world" by continuing attacks on Russian refineries and suggested "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." Zelinky pledged to hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day total ceasefire, though Ukrainian law suspends elections during wartime.
For months, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged strikes on energy infrastructure. Moscow characterizes targeted installations as legitimate military targets. Ukraine views attacks on Russian refineries as reducing Moscow's financial capacity to wage war.