Zelensky Claims Russia Breached Trump’s Energy Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Monday that Russia had already violated the surprise energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump over the weekend. The agreement, which Trump declared on social media Sunday morning, claimed that both parties had consented to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Trump’s post read, “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!” However, Zelensky noted that Kyiv was not informed of the proposal in advance, and the Kremlin has remained largely silent on the specific terms. “We agree if they agree, and we have already shown that we mean it. Arguing that “The European Union paid Russia 250 Billion Dollars for Energy,” an apparent reference to an estimate by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air that found the EU spent 238 billion euros on Russian fossil fuels since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, he also defended his decision in a Truth Social post Monday. Both sides have escalated the aerial war as front lines remain largely stagnant, in recent months. With Kyiv viewing them as an essential part of the Kremlin’s war machine, but there have still been several in the past week.
Zelensky reported that shortly after the announcement, Russian forces carried out a targeted strike on a power plant in Kharkiv, resulting in further damage to the regional energy grid. Despite this, the Ukrainian leader pledged to uphold the agreement provided Russia mirrors that commitment. Speaking via video link at the Warsaw Security Forum, Zelensky explained that while Ukraine has halted its own strikes on Russian oil refineries, Russia struck a gas production facility with a jet-powered Shahed drone at midnight.
When questioned regarding the conflicting reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “contacts are ongoing,” offering no further specifics. The situation follows a recent, controversial deal between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply international markets with Russian diesel. This development has sparked bipartisan blowback in the US, with seven senators—including four Republicans—issuing a statement demanding the administration reverse course. The lawmakers argued that importing Russian fuel contradicts federal law, which explicitly banned such imports in 2022 to prevent American capital from funding the war effort. “Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine,” the statement read. “Congress was clear: the U.S. should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO Allies.”. Including Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, got underway in Miami as the diesel deal was announced Friday, but Zelensky criticized the diesel news, saying the move would prolong the war, talks with top Ukrainian and US officials.
Amid these diplomatic tensions, Trump suggested in a post on Truth Social that Ukraine should seek a new leader capable of negotiating deals. Zelensky dismissed calls for elections during the ongoing conflict, citing security risks and constant bombardment. He noted, however, that he would be prepared to organize elections if a full ceasefire lasting at least 60 days were established. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded in a video address, stating he did not believe Zelensky had earned such a respite or that Moscow should trust further assurances from Kyiv. Zelensky added he would be “ready to work on holding elections” if a full ceasefire of 60 days or more was established.
Prior to the announcement of the energy ceasefire, Zelensky had expressed openness to such a deal, stating in an interview with ABC News that if Russia stopped killing Ukrainian citizens and destroying infrastructure, Ukraine would refrain from attacking their oil industry. Energy infrastructure has been a primary target for both sides since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. While Ukraine eventually pivoted to using domestic drones to target Russian refineries, a source close to Zelensky indicated that these operations have been paused while Kyiv awaits additional clarity from the US government regarding the ceasefire terms.
Following the initial announcement, Zelensky reached out to several international leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He emphasized that Ukraine fully supports de-escalation steps that protect civilian lives and lead to a lasting peace, while reiterating that his government remains in wait for specific details from the American side. Has reached out to the White House for information on how the agreement was reached and what the next steps may be.
