Trump Claims Energy Truce Holds Amid New Ukraine Strikes
President Trump declared an energy infrastructure ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but Kyiv reported new Russian attacks.
United States President Donald Trump insisted on Monday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to cease attacks on each other's energy infrastructure, a claim made even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported new Russian strikes.
Trump's declaration of a purported energy ceasefire on Sunday had previously blindsided Kyiv and its European allies. This announcement followed a decision to temporarily ease U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel, which had drawn strong criticism from Europe and Ukraine. These allies viewed the move as undermining years of efforts to isolate Russia's economy and potentially emboldening President Vladimir Putin.
"Well, they agreed," Trump told reporters when asked about the agreement between Zelenskyy and Putin. "Because I said, ‘You agree’. That’s why they agreed, because I said they agree." When questioned further about ongoing Russian strikes, Trump indicated, "Well, I’d have to look at it and see, because there’s been violations on both sides."
President Zelenskyy stated on Monday that Ukraine supports an energy ceasefire and has not attacked Russian refineries. He added that Kyiv is prepared to sign guarantees to ensure trustworthiness. However, Zelenskyy also noted that it is "increasingly evident" that Moscow will not adhere to such an agreement. He reported that Russian forces had struck at least six Ukrainian energy facilities that day, wounding 33 people across the country.
Trump characterized the ongoing war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, as a "disaster." He claimed, without providing evidence, that over 32,000 people had been killed in the conflict this month alone. He urged both leaders to "get together and end that ridiculous war."
Lawmakers in the United States, from both major parties, have also raised concerns, suggesting the diesel sanctions decision may violate U.S. law. Several Republicans have objected, arguing it contradicts a law Trump himself signed to impose tighter restrictions on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected any pause in the fighting, vowing to continue the military campaign. Russia has not officially confirmed any agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
The situation highlights a significant divergence in perspectives between the U.S. President and Ukrainian leadership, as well as international allies, regarding the de-escalation of the conflict and the handling of sanctions against Russia.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.