Trump Announces Russia and Ukraine Agree to Immediate Energy Infrastructure Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, implementing an immediate cessation following a recent escalation of deadly strikes.

“Effective immediately, there is an energy ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it,” Mr Trump wrote on social media, though he omitted details regarding the duration, enforcement methods, or specific sites covered.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the news outlet Axios that the announcement was unexpected, but confirmed that Kyiv would accept the terms if Moscow agreed. “The ceasefire announcement was news for me. But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire Ukraine will agree. If President Trump negotiated it with Vladimir Putin – please tell us when the ceasefire begins – we are ready and we will accept it,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

The announcement followed a dispute between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy regarding attacks on Russian oil refineries. Mr Trump criticised the strikes on Saturday, shortly after Washington temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel aimed at limiting Moscow’s war revenue. “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Donald Trump told reporters at the White House.

In response on Sunday, Mr Zelenskyy offered to organise elections if Mr Putin agreed to a 60-day halt in fighting. “Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections,” Mr Zelenskyy told ABC News. He also dismissed claims that Ukrainian attacks caused rising fuel prices, noting that it was convenient to blame Kyiv when global prices were climbing due to the war in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Mr Zelenskyy amid his disagreement with Mr Trump, backing calls for an energy ceasefire. "Fully supported the call of President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia," Ms von der Leyen wrote online following a conversation with Mr Zelenskyy, adding her full support for his leadership.