Trump Says Russia and Ukraine Agree to Stop Striking Each Other's Energy Sites

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday on his social network Truth Social that an energy ceasefire has taken effect in the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to him, both sides have agreed to stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure. "Both sides have agreed. Don't break it!" Trump wrote, giving no further details. Neither Ukraine nor Russia has confirmed the arrangement.

Background

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier said Ukraine would be ready to stop hitting Russian oil refineries if Russia limited its strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities. Zelensky also criticised Trump's announcement that Russia would supply the US with hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel, calling it a weak decision. He warned it would encourage Russia to continue attacking Ukraine.

Petrol and diesel prices at US filling stations have risen sharply since the end of February, when joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. On Saturday, however, Trump said Ukrainian attacks were directly to blame for higher fuel prices and urged Kyiv to stop striking Russian refineries.

Talks with Putin and criticism of Zelensky

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, described the conversation with Trump as "very substantive" and "friendly", saying that "nobody wanted to be the first to hang up". He added that Trump had expressed readiness to talk with Putin at any time of day.

Speaking at the White House, Trump also said it was time for Ukraine to get a new leader, arguing that Zelensky had not done enough to end the war. The previous phone call between Trump and Putin took place on 8 September.