Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump announced an 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had not heard of the deal.
- France and the EU expressed support for Ukraine's call for an energy ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an 'energy ceasefire', a move that could potentially ease tensions in the ongoing conflict. In a social media post, Trump stated that the energy ceasefire would take effect immediately, but did not provide further details.
In an interview with Axios, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he was unaware of the deal and that Ukraine was ready to agree to such a ceasefire if Russia was. Zelensky added that Ukraine and its allies were 'awaiting details' of the ceasefire on energy targets.
The announcement comes amid ongoing strikes on Russian refineries, which have been a source of tension between the two countries. Trump, who has been criticized for his handling of the Iran conflict, has faced pressure from Republicans to address high diesel prices, which have been blamed on his policies.
Ukraine's position has been clear: it is willing to halt attacks on Russian refineries but only if Moscow ceases its own strikes on Ukrainian power infrastructure. Zelensky emphasized that any such deal would need to come with 'real guarantees'.
The Russian government has not yet commented on Trump's claim. Meanwhile, France backed the 'real energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine, with President Emmanuel Macron stating that France would continue to support Ukraine and President Zelensky.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also voiced support for Ukraine's call for an energy ceasefire, stating that it would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia.
The move by Trump is seen as a potential diplomatic breakthrough, but its effectiveness remains uncertain given the skepticism expressed by Zelensky and the lack of official confirmation from Russia.
The situation in Ukraine continues to be a focal point of international relations, with both sides and their allies closely monitoring developments.
Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!
Donald Trump, US President
The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
