Trump Announces Energy Ceasefire as Strikes Continue and Allies Remain Divided

US President Donald Trump created uncertainty on Sunday with a proclamation of an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia, eliciting bewilderment in Kyiv, silence from Moscow, and backing from Ukraine’s Western partners.

The truce appeared dubious, however, as President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia attacked several Ukrainian power facilities on Sunday, including a facility in the capital and another in Kharkiv, leading to blackouts and public outrage.

Trump’s declaration followed a move two days prior to temporarily ease US sanctions on Russian diesel, a decision that sparked criticism from European allies and Kyiv, who argued it would merely embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump stated early Sunday on Truth Social. “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”

Zelensky appeared taken aback by the announcement, noting he was seeking further clarification, though he added, “Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well.”

Moscow has not yet confirmed this agreement.

Zelensky later confirmed that multiple Ukrainian power stations had been targeted and noted that “Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian ‘shaheds’ all day,” referring to Iranian-origin drones that Russia now deploys extensively.

Since launching a full-scale invasion of its neighbour in 2022, Russia has systematically targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing shortages of power and heat, prompting Ukraine to retaliate against Russian oil refineries, which Kyiv says funds the war.

More recently, Trump’s conflict in Iran has triggered oil shortages and sharp price spikes, creating significant challenges for the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections early next month.

Zelenskyy Requests 60-Day Ceasefire to Enable Elections

The ceasefire appeared to win support on Sunday from Ukraine’s key Western allies, including the UK, France, Canada, and the European Commission, as several leaders urged Russia to honour the deal. But this support contrasted with broad criticism of the US-Russia diesel deal earlier in the week, which has fueled growing tensions between Trump and Zelensky.

Zelensky called the diesel deal a “weak decision,” while several of Ukraine’s European allies expressed outrage and pledged to step up pressure on Moscow.

Seven US senators, including four Republicans, released a statement on Sunday blasting the diesel deal with Russia, saying it was illegal.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added to the chorus on Sunday after a call with Zelensky, saying the diesel deal “is in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe.”

Asked about the criticism on Saturday, Trump said it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would finally settle the war.

Zelensky pushed back, telling ABC News that “it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader.”

“Tell (Vladimir) Putin, give us two months — 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections,” he said.

Strong Backing from Berlin and London

Germany’s foreign minister said on Sunday that Berlin continued to “fully support” Zelensky.

“Europe needs stability, and that means that we are very clearly continuing to stay by the side of Ukraine and its government,” Johann Wadephul stressed.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also backed the Ukrainian leader “as he leads the fight for his people’s freedom.”

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham echoed this strong support and Trump’s call “for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now.”

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