Trump Proclaims Immediate Energy Halt
US President Donald Trump announced what he termed an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia following a series of mutual attacks on energy infrastructure that heightened pressure on global energy prices. Writing on social media on Sunday, Trump stated: “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Conflicting Initial Responses from Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially denied any knowledge of the agreement, stating according to Axios that it was “news to him.” However, Zelenskyy subsequently confirmed that Ukraine would back the deal, writing in a Telegram post: “Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well. We are awaiting details from the American side.” Earlier on Sunday, Zelenskyy had indicated that Ukraine was prepared to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow similarly ceased its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Sanctions Shifts and Escalating Tensions
The announcement followed a series of contentious diplomatic developments. On Saturday, the US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel—which had been originally imposed to target Moscow’s war effort—prompting criticism from Kyiv. Trump subsequently criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, telling reporters at the White House, “He better damn well stop,” and adding, “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
In response to Trump’s remarks regarding leadership, Zelenskyy asserted that “it’s up to Ukrainians” to choose their leader and observed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would also welcome a leadership change in Ukraine. Zelenskyy had earlier stated that Trump’s diesel deal announcement emboldened Moscow, pointing to an attack involving five glide bombs dropped on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia.
On-the-Ground Impact in Zaporizhzhia
The southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia has faced intensifying bombardment over recent months. A strike on Saturday reduced part of an apartment block to rubble, resulting in casualties that included a six-year-old girl. Zelenskyy noted that the ongoing attacks demonstrate that Moscow perceives any easing of pressure as a sign to continue fighting.
Additionally, Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that he would organize elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day full ceasefire, while Kyiv continues to press Washington for serious negotiations to end the four-and-a-half-year conflict.
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