Key facts
- Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, effective immediately.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he was unaware of the deal, calling it "news to me".
- Zelenskyy indicated he would accept the ceasefire if Russian President Vladimir Putin also agreed.
- Trump previously demanded Ukraine stop striking Russian oil refineries.
- Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move criticized by Zelenskyy.
- The New York Times reported US officials offered economic incentives to Russia for a ceasefire.
President Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia, stating that "Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" in a social media post. The announcement, made without apparent consultation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was met with surprise from Kyiv.
Zelenskyy told the Axios website that if Trump had negotiated the deal with Putin, he would accept it if it began immediately and Putin also agreed. This comes after Zelenskyy had previously rebuffed Trump's demand for Ukraine to cease bombing Russian oil refineries, stating that Moscow must first halt its own attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy emphasized that any cessation of Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets would need to be reciprocal and backed by "real guarantees" from allies.
The dispute escalated after Trump announced on Friday the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move Zelenskyy called "weak" and one that would provide Putin with "billions" in revenue to intensify the war. Trump responded by warning Zelenskyy to "damn well stop" hitting Russian refineries and suggested Ukraine needed a "new leader."
In response to Trump's remarks, Zelenskyy stated that leadership choices were up to Ukrainians and that he was willing to accept Trump's demands for a "total" 60-day ceasefire, provided Putin also agreed. This public disagreement marks a significant rift between the US and Ukraine.
The New York Times reported that US officials have offered the Kremlin economic incentives, including the release of frozen Russian sovereign assets, in exchange for a ceasefire. The Trump administration also reportedly revisited a plan to sell parts of Russia's energy company Lukoil.
Despite Trump's demands, Ukrainian officials argue that Kyiv is being asked to give up its most effective weapons without corresponding concessions from Russia. Russia's own bombing campaign has continued relentlessly, with recent attacks causing civilian casualties and damaging energy sites. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine's foreign affairs committee, criticized Trump's actions as "bullying" and accused him of siding with Putin, suggesting Trump's motives were business-oriented and that Ukraine was an "obstacle to be removed."
Ukrainian negotiators reportedly left early from meetings in Florida after Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Russian diesel, feeling it was a "trap." Zelenskyy has since spoken with European allies, including the UK prime minister, the French president, and the Finnish president, to shore up support and reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine, agreeing to maintain pressure on Russia and strengthen sanctions.