Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks between Russia and Ukraine, claiming both sides have agreed to stop targeting each other’s energy facilities amid escalating tensions.
Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”
The announcement comes as Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. He has argued that these attacks have affected diesel supplies and pushed up fuel costs for American consumers, including farmers, truckers and businesses.
The development follows a recent agreement between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate Russian diesel exports to international markets. Under the arrangement announced on Friday, Russia is expected to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, with further shipments planned for November and beyond. The US Treasury Department has also approved temporary sanctions relief to support the supplies.
While Trump said the arrangement could lower fuel prices, Zelenskyy criticised it, arguing that it could generate additional revenue for Moscow’s war effort.
Tensions intensified further after Trump suggested on Saturday that Ukraine should choose a new leader willing to negotiate an end to the conflict. He told reporters, “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal.”
