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The announcement came without details and was described as effective immediately. Source: bbc.co.uk.
Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially expressed surprise at the claim. He later said Kyiv would support the ceasefire if Russia agrees.
“Ukraine is ready not to strike at Russian energy and we count on Russia’s similar readiness and on the agreement of the president of the United States of America on this,” Zelensky said in a social media post.
Immediate Aftermath
Within hours of Trump’s statement, Zelensky accused Russia of targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He reported a drone strike on a Kyiv power plant, followed by attacks in the Kharkiv region.
“All of this happened after the president of the United States made his statement about an energy ceasefire,” Zelensky said in a comment to Axios.
Background: Energy Strikes in the War
For months, both sides have exchanged strikes on energy facilities. Moscow claims such installations support Ukraine’s military operations. Zelensky argues that attacks inside Russia aim to reduce Moscow’s war funding.
These strikes have disrupted energy supplies on both sides.
International Reactions
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain “strongly supports” Trump’s call for a sustained energy ceasefire.
France, Canada, and the European Union also expressed support.
However, UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized the deal. They echoed Zelensky’s concerns about Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
US Congressional Pushback
Seven US senators, including three Democrats and four Republicans, issued a statement opposing the deal. They said it “runs directly counter” to a law banning Russian energy imports until Russia ends aggression against Ukraine.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis told NBC News the deal “absolutely will” put American lives at risk.
Trump’s Broader Motivations
Trump has pushed for the diesel deal to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections. The move follows months of rising fuel prices due to the Iran conflict.
Higher fuel prices have contributed to inflation, which has damaged Trump’s public standing.
What to Watch Next
Trump has suggested Ukraine should hold new elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire. This proposal has drawn criticism, as Ukraine’s constitution currently suspends elections during wartime.
As of Sunday, attacks on Ukrainian cities have resulted in casualties. One incident occurred in Russia’s Belgorod region, another in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region.
The conflict continues despite the ceasefire claims. No official confirmation of the energy agreement has been provided by either Russia or Ukraine.
- Trump claims an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukrainian officials say they would support it if Russia agrees.
- Russia has not responded to the claim.
- US lawmakers and European officials have expressed concern over the deal.
- Attacks on energy infrastructure continue on both sides.
For the original report, see BBC News.
