Trump claims energy truce between Russia and Ukraine while Zelensky expresses surprise

United States President Donald Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an energy ceasefire, effective immediately. Multiple news outlets, including the BBC, France 24, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, NBC News, and Le Monde, reported on the announcement. Trump stated that both countries agreed to stop targeting oil refineries, power plants, and other energy infrastructure. [1][2][4][6][7][8][10][11]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed surprise at the claim. France 24, NBC News, and Le Monde reported that Zelensky told the digital news outlet Axios that the announcement was news to him. Zelensky later stated that Kyiv would support such a truce whenever it begins, provided Moscow also complies. Russia has yet to comment on Trump's statement, according to the BBC. [1][2][6][10][11]

The BBC, South China Morning Post, and ITVX reported that Russian strikes hit Ukrainian energy facilities and power plants on Sunday following the announcement. Zelensky accused Russia of continuing its attacks despite the claimed agreement. Trump has been urging Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which Kyiv considers vital to curtailing revenue for Moscow's war effort. [1][5][12]

The announcement follows friction between Washington and Kyiv over fuel sanctions. France 24 reported that Trump called for Ukraine to get a new leader after Zelensky criticized Washington for easing sanctions on Russian diesel. United States Senator Thom Tillis questioned the legality of the sanctions relief during an interview on NBC News, saying it could violate congressional law. [2][3][4][9]