
US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement on an “energy ceasefire,” without providing further details on its specific terms. The statement was made in a social media post that said the agreement takes effect immediately.
The White House and none of the parties involved in the conflict immediately commented on the announcement. The development comes after Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over attacks on oil facilities in Russia.
Kiev's reaction and conditions for stopping the attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by emphasizing that responsibility for the war lies solely with Russia and confirmed the continuation of the campaign against Russian oil refineries. Clarifying Ukraine's position, Zelenskyy stated:
"Ukraine will be ready to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries if Russia stops attacks on our energy infrastructure."
He further added that "it is possible to stop attacks on energy infrastructure today, but Putin does not want to do this."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended Zelenskyy's leadership against Trump's comments about a change of direction in Kiev.
"He has the support of the Ukrainian people and they have the right to decide. Statements from abroad only confirm that he is doing his job well," he said.
Washington's statements come as global energy prices have soared. Trump has urged Kiev to stop attacks on Russian infrastructure. The US president, who on Friday reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to buy oil from Russia in an effort to address high fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections, has been urging Zelensky for weeks to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, suggesting the need for new leadership in Ukraine.
"I suggest they find a new leader who can make a deal, because he could have made a lot of deals and for some reason he never does," Trump said.
The agreement reached between the US and Russia to purchase Russian oil in order to lower fuel prices has prompted negative reactions from Ukrainian and European officials, who expressed disappointment, stressing that the step helps finance Moscow's military efforts.