In a recent announcement, former President Donald Trump declared an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which has been criticized as one-sided. A White House official noted that if attacks on oil refineries cease, there may be future discussions about halting strikes on power plants and energy infrastructure.
Reports suggest Trump is seeking to broker a partial ceasefire independently, though Russia has yet to agree to any ceasefire arrangements. Ukraine maintains that any agreement must include a prohibition on attacks against energy facilities.
According to an Axios source, the proposal to limit attacks exclusively to oil refineries is problematic. A Ukrainian official explained that the country possesses only one oil refinery, which has been targeted multiple times and is not fully operational, while Russia benefits from an extensive network of refineries. Therefore, Ukraine is advocating for a ceasefire that encompasses all energy sectors.
In response to Trump’s proposal, a White House representative remarked that it remains uncertain whether Russia is willing to consider such an arrangement.
Notably, shortly after Trump’s ceasefire announcement, Russia launched an attack on a thermal power station in Kharkiv. Trump has been pushing for Ukraine to halt assaults on Russian oil, attributing rising oil prices to the ongoing conflict. He previously urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cease attacks on Russian oil and recently held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following their talk, Trump announced a deal for the delivery of Russian diesel to the U.S. and the global market, with a temporary general license from OFAC effective until April 7, 2027. Trump also accused Zelensky of reluctance to reach a peace agreement and stated that “it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
Officials from the Trump administration have warned that Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries may damage Zelensky’s relations with Trump more than they impact Russia. They have indicated that “Trump is indeed furious” and feels that Zelensky “takes the U.S. for granted.” The Wall Street Journal reported that the relationship between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents has reached a significant low since their contentious meeting in the Oval Office in February 2025.
Context
- On October 11, Trump announced the energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, stating it would take effect immediately and claiming both sides had agreed to it.
- In contrast, President Zelensky commented that Trump’s announcement came as a surprise, expressing Ukraine’s willingness to support the ceasefire, provided Russia reciprocates.
- Later, Zelensky stated that he discussed the ceasefire with partners and reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire contingent upon Russia’s similar actions, saying, “We await further details from the American side.”
- Russia has not officially confirmed the ceasefire proposed by Trump. Following his announcement, Russian forces struck Ukraine again, including an attack on a thermal power station in Kharkiv, as reported by Zelensky.
