Ukraine Claims Russia Defies Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of disregarding a recent energy ceasefire initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a televised interview on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” aired on October 12, 2026, Zelenskyy stated that although Kyiv refrained from striking Russian energy infrastructure, Russian forces continued their attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities.

Zelenskyy’s Statement on Energy Ceasefire

“We are ready today for energy ceasefire, as President Trump said. But I’m not sure that Putin is ready because even after yesterday’s messages from the president about energy cease fire, Putin attacked our gas infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that Ukraine had not retaliated against Russian energy targets overnight, in accordance with Trump’s call for both sides to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy described Russia’s continued strikes as a direct rebuff to Washington’s efforts: “It was his answer to President Trump. He attacked our energy infrastructure.” He further claimed that Russian officials showed no acknowledgment of the ceasefire announcement, adding, “The communication from Russia was very clear that they don’t know anything about energy ceasefire.”

Confusion Over Scope of Energy Ceasefire

President Trump announced on October 11 via social media that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to immediately halt attacks on energy facilities. However, Moscow has not publicly confirmed the agreement, leaving the precise details unsettled. According to Axios, a White House official said the initial focus was to stop attacks on oil refineries, with the possibility of expanding to power plants and the electricity grid, but admitted that Russia had not agreed at the time.

Debate Over Refinery Strikes and Electricity Supply

In response to questions about halting attacks on Russia’s oil refineries—a contentious issue as global fuel prices rise—Zelenskyy argued that limiting a ceasefire to refineries would leave Ukraine’s electricity systems exposed. “When we speak about energy ceasefire, it means only one thing: that they don’t attack our energy infrastructure and we don’t respond to their energy infrastructure,” he asserted. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would conditionally halt attacks if Russia reciprocated: “If Russia will not attack our energy, we will not attack the energy.”

Trump has criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, saying they raise fuel prices. Zelenskyy contested this claim, pointing instead to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as a more significant factor.

Zelenskyy Responds to Trump’s Calls for Ukrainian Elections

Tensions also rose over Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should hold new presidential elections. Over the weekend, Trump criticized Zelenskyy for not pursuing negotiations with Russia and implied that Ukraine needed new leadership. Zelenskyy responded, “If President Trump wants to change the leader in Ukraine, he has to know that only our people can change.” The Ukrainian president said he would hold elections if hostilities paused for at least 60 days, citing security concerns due to ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes.

Ongoing Attacks and Criticism of Diesel Deal

Despite the proposed energy ceasefire, Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities and residential areas have continued. According to Ukraine’s charge d’affaires in Washington, Denys Sienik, Russian forces struck a power plant in Kyiv and a thermal power plant in Kharkiv shortly after Trump’s announcement. East2West News agency reported civilian casualties in Kharkiv region and additional strikes in Pisochyn, with residents expressing shock at the timing of attacks following the supposed ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Trump’s decision to allow the release of Russian diesel to global markets has drawn criticism from former officials. Carrie Filipetti, executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition, argued the arrangement may weaken U.S. leverage, saying, “If we want a real ceasefire, paying directly for Putin’s war machine through this new diesel deal is not the way to do it.” Others, like Morgan Murphy, suggested Trump’s efforts could push both sides toward negotiation and ultimately limit the human cost of war.

Conclusion: Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations

As the conflict continues, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to end civilian casualties, claiming Russian attacks kill 20 to 30 civilians daily, though this figure was not independently verified. He described the proposed energy ceasefire as “a good first step from both sides,” but its prospects remain uncertain amid ongoing attacks and diplomatic disagreements.

Source: foxnews.com.