US Proposes Russia-Ukraine “Energy Ceasefire”; Conditions for Truce Reveal Divergences

US President Donald Trump suddenly claimed on the 11th that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to implement an “energy ceasefire,” meaning a halt to attacks on each other’s energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded the same day that he had no prior knowledge of the matter, describing the “energy ceasefire” as news to him as well. On the 12th, he stated that Ukraine supports the energy ceasefire proposal but insists on the principle of reciprocity. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts regarding the energy ceasefire are ongoing.

Zelenskyy said on the 12th that the US proposal has created the possibility of a ceasefire in the energy sector between Russia and Ukraine. However, he set a precondition: if Russia wants Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries and petroleum export facilities, Russia must cease its airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy system and critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s national oil and gas company reported the same day that Russian forces had used drones to attack natural gas extraction infrastructure in Kharkiv region, sparking fires.

Trump had earlier criticized Zelenskyy for striking Russian diesel facilities, which he said caused US oil prices to rise, and publicly suggested that Ukraine should “get a new president.” Meanwhile, the United States has eased sanctions on Russian diesel to allow Russia to supply diesel to the US and global markets, drawing dissatisfaction from Ukraine and the European Union. On the 11th, Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s “change the president” remarks by saying Trump could convey to Russian President Vladimir Putin that if Russia and Ukraine observe a full 60-day ceasefire, Ukraine could organize a presidential election during that period. Peskov stated on the 12th that Russia seeks not a temporary ceasefire but lasting peace. He added that if Ukraine genuinely intends to hold elections, Russia might agree to a ceasefire on election day itself.