Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed that he was taken by surprise by Donald Trump’s announcement regarding an energy ceasefire. He stated, “If the Russians agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree too,” according to a journalist’s report.
Zelensky highlighted that if Trump has indeed made arrangements for an energy truce with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he should clarify when the ceasefire is set to begin, assuring that Ukraine would be prepared to comply.
Christopher Miller, a correspondent for the Financial Times, shared insights from a senior Ukrainian official close to Zelensky, who asserted, “We have not heard about any ceasefire.” The official noted that Ukrainian repair teams are currently working to restore electricity and water supply in Kyiv, which had just suffered Russian strikes minutes earlier.
Trump’s post announcing the energy ceasefire was made at 5:15 PM, claiming that both parties had agreed to this arrangement and urging them to uphold the agreement. Just a day prior, during a press briefing, Trump had blamed Ukraine for the lack of a peace deal with Russia, suggesting that Russia desired to finalize an agreement. He also accused Zelensky of prolonging the conflict, stating that it might be time for Ukraine to have a new president.
Context
- Trump has criticized Kyiv for exacerbating the global diesel fuel shortage and rising fuel prices, urging Zelensky to lessen the intensity of attacks. On September 30, Russian outlet “Agentstvo” reported claims that Ukraine had halted strikes on Russian oil refineries. However, The Guardian later reported on October 1 that Ukraine continued its attacks on these facilities.
- On October 3, Zelensky announced in an interview with Reuters that Ukraine would intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries in retaliation for Russia’s escalating attacks on civilian infrastructure. He emphasized that the Ukrainian response would not target civilian populations.
- On October 9, Trump spoke with Putin and subsequently announced an agreement for Russian diesel to be supplied to the U.S. and the global market, with a temporary general license from OFAC valid until April 7, 2027.
- According to the Financial Times, following Trump’s easing of sanctions on Russian diesel, officials from his administration increased pressure on Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, threatening to limit intelligence exchange with Ukraine should they refuse.
