US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming that both sides have agreed to stop attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure.
The announcement, made on Sunday through Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, came amid escalating tensions over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power and energy facilities.
“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote, adding that both sides had agreed to the arrangement and warning them not to violate it.
Zelensky Seeks Clarification From Washington
Speaking to Axios, Zelensky said he wanted clarity on when the proposed ceasefire would begin and what commitments Russia would make.
The Ukrainian president indicated that Kyiv was prepared to support a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, provided Russia also stopped targeting Ukraine’s energy facilities.
Zelensky has maintained that Ukraine should not be expected to suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries while Russian forces continue attacking Ukrainian power plants and other critical infrastructure.
Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Facilities Continue
Despite Trump’s announcement, Zelensky reported fresh Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including Thermal Power Plant No. 5 in the eastern city of Kharkiv.
He also reported attacks on gas and oil facilities, warning that continued strikes threatened electricity generation, heating and energy supplies.
According to reporting published by The Guardian, Ukraine had faced more than 200 attacks on electricity generation and transmission facilities during the week, alongside 17 reported attacks on gas and oil installations.
Announcement Follows Dispute Over Russian Oil Refineries
Trump’s announcement came after days of pressure on Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. The US president has linked the strikes to rising diesel prices and has criticised Zelensky over Ukraine’s military strategy.
The development also followed Trump’s announcement of a deal involving Russian diesel supplies to the United States and international markets in exchange for the easing of certain US sanctions.
Uncertainty Over the Ceasefire
As of Monday, October 12, uncertainty remained over the scope and implementation of the proposed energy truce. Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to halt attacks on Russian refining facilities if Moscow stopped its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
