United States President Donald Trump announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The announcement was made through a post on his Truth Social platform. According to Trump, both Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks targeting energy infrastructure, effective immediately.
The announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv was prepared to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow halted attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelensky's statement was made earlier on Sunday. However, Zelensky later indicated that he was unaware of Trump's announcement and that Ukraine would accept an energy ceasefire if Russia agreed to it.
Zelensky told Axios that if President Trump had negotiated the ceasefire with Putin, Ukraine would accept it and was ready to implement it. He requested that the details of the ceasefire, including the start time, be shared. The proposed truce follows an escalation in attacks on energy facilities by both sides. Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure, while Russia has continued strikes on Ukraine's power and energy facilities.
The development also comes amid tensions between Trump and Zelensky over US policy towards the conflict. Trump had earlier criticised Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Trump suggested that Ukraine should consider new leadership capable of reaching a peace agreement with Moscow.
Trump's announcement also followed a diesel supply agreement reached between Washington and Moscow. Under the agreement, Russia agreed to supply diesel to the United States and global markets. The arrangement has drawn criticism from Kyiv, with Zelensky warning that increased Russian energy revenues could help finance Moscow's war effort.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has repeatedly seen energy infrastructure become a major target. Both sides have sought to weaken the other's ability to sustain military and civilian operations. For now, the scope and mechanism of the newly announced "energy ceasefire" remain unclear.
The absence of an immediate public confirmation from Russia and Ukraine has added to the uncertainty. The announcement by Trump has raised questions about its implementation and effectiveness. The situation remains to be monitored for further developments and confirmations from the parties involved.
Key points
- Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
- Ukraine will accept the ceasefire if Russia agrees to it.
- The scope and mechanism of the ceasefire remain unclear.
