Trump announces energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine

US President Donald Trump announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine over the weekend, claiming both sides had agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure. The move, aimed at lowering domestic diesel prices ahead of upcoming US midterm elections, follows a controversial US deal to import nearly 2 million metric tons of Russian diesel, reversing previous sanctions. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed initial skepticism, stating he learned of the ceasefire via media reports and subsequently accused Russia of violating the agreement through strikes on Ukrainian gas and power facilities.

In response to criticism from Trump, who has urged Ukraine to hold new elections and questioned his leadership, Zelenskiy stated he would organize elections if a 60-day total ceasefire were implemented. While the Kremlin stated that contacts regarding a ceasefire are ongoing, Russia has denied targeting energy facilities in recent strikes, even as violence continues against other logistics and transport targets. Meanwhile, the European Union has maintained pressure by approving new sanctions against Russia. As of Tuesday, Ukraine reported a two-day pause in its strikes on Russian oil refineries, though the long-term status of the ceasefire remains uncertain.