Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Sparks Zelenskyy Clash as Russian Strikes Continue in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged President Donald Trump’s claim on Sunday, that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire, saying Kyiv had not been informed of any such deal. The disagreement emerged as Zelenskyy reported continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure following Trump’s announcement.

A source close to Zelenskyy told NBC News that the announcement was a surprise. The conflicting accounts raised questions about whether both countries had accepted the same terms and when any agreement would take effect.

“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “If President Trump negotiated it with Putin, please tell us when the ceasefire begins. But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree,” Zelenskyy said, according to Axios.

Russian Strikes Continue After Trump’s Announcement

Zelenskyy said Russian forces continued attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after Trump’s statement, citing strikes on a power plant in Kyiv and energy facilities in the Kharkiv region.

“And all of this happened AFTER the President of the United States made his statement about an energy ceasefire,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well.”

He added, “We are awaiting details from the American side.” Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was prepared to stop targeting Russian oil refineries if Moscow ended attacks on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure.

Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week,” he reiterated that position, saying, “We are ready for an energy ceasefire, not to attack energy, both sides.” The proposal would require both countries to halt attacks on each other’s energy facilities, although the precise terms of any arrangement remained unclear.

Trump-Putin Diesel Deal Adds to Tensions

The ceasefire dispute followed a separate disagreement over Trump’s announcement of an arrangement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to obtain diesel from Russia. Trump presented the move as an effort to reduce domestic fuel costs, writing, “Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority.”

The reported arrangement marked a shift in Washington’s approach to Russian energy trade amid continuing efforts to restrict Moscow’s oil and gas revenue. According to the supplied reports, the agreement followed new U.S. sanctions legislation targeting Russia’s energy sector, while the Treasury Department subsequently moved to ease diesel-related restrictions for six months.

Zelenskyy criticized the prospect of sanctions relief without corresponding steps by Moscow to reduce hostilities. “Any easing of sanctions against Russia without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement with Russia is an obvious weakness,” he wrote on X.

He also warned that Russia would repay the diesel deal “with further terror and perfidy,” arguing that easing economic pressure could allow Moscow to prolong the war. Zelenskyy said Saturday that Trump’s diesel agreement had emboldened Moscow.

Trump Pressures Zelenskyy Over Ukrainian Leadership

The disagreement over the energy ceasefire also came amid renewed tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy over Ukraine’s political leadership. On Saturday, Trump called for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy, accusing the Ukrainian president of rejecting opportunities to end the war.

Zelenskyy rejected the suggestion that Washington should determine Ukraine’s leadership, responding, “It’s up to Ukrainians” to choose their leader. He also noted that Putin would prefer a change of leadership in Kyiv.

Earlier Sunday, Zelenskyy offered to organize elections if Russia agreed to a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire. He added, “So please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organize elections.” The proposal linked the possibility of holding elections to a broader suspension of hostilities rather than a limited agreement covering energy infrastructure alone.

Kremlin’s Position Raises Questions Over Ceasefire Terms

The conflicting accounts left the scope and implementation of the proposed ceasefire unresolved, with Kyiv awaiting clarification from Washington as Zelenskyy reported further Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities. During his call with Trump, Putin reiterated a demand for an end to U.S. military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine as a condition for ending the conflict.

Ukraine’s allies have opposed such restrictions, arguing that continued military support is necessary for Kyiv’s security. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was adhering to the energy truce while accusing Kyiv of “failing to reciprocate.” Russian defense officials also claimed that some Russian drones had been intercepted after Putin ordered the ceasefire.

The White House referred to an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire,” while the Kremlin’s account mentioned only “energy infrastructure.” The distinction raised questions about whether non-energy targets, including ports and bridges, would fall within the proposed restrictions. The key development is whether Washington and Moscow clarify the ceasefire’s terms and confirm that the restrictions are in effect.