Trump Claims Russia and Ukraine Have Agreed to Energy Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy facilities. This announcement surprised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said it was new information for him. There was no immediate response from Russia regarding Trump’s claim.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, it has launched numerous attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power and heat during cold weather. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries, which it claims finance the war.

On the same day as Trump’s announcement, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, reported new power outages in the capital, Kyiv. Trump shared the news of the ceasefire on his Truth Social platform, urging both sides to uphold the agreement.

Zelensky indicated that Ukraine would be willing to stop attacking Russian oil refineries if Russia also halted its strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities. In his reaction to Trump’s statement, Zelensky reiterated that it was unexpected news.

The situation comes amid rising tensions between Trump and Zelensky over a recent deal between Russia and the United States concerning diesel fuel. Zelensky criticized the agreement as weak, while some European allies of Ukraine vowed to maintain pressure on Russia despite the deal.

Trump suggested that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries were contributing to rising diesel prices and implied it might be time for Ukraine to choose a new president. Zelensky responded by emphasizing that it is up to the Ukrainian people to decide their leadership.

In Germany, the foreign minister expressed continued support for Zelensky, stating that Europe needs stability and will stand by Ukraine. Meanwhile, residents in Kyiv voiced their concerns about Trump’s remarks, asserting their right to choose their own leaders.