Zelenskyy says Trump's Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire deal was a surprise: Axios

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday he was unaware of an energy ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump, raising questions about whether an agreement had actually been reached to halt attacks on energy infrastructure in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

"The ceasefire announcement was news for me. But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire Ukraine will agree," Zelenskyy told Axios reporter Barak Ravid. "If president Trump negotiated it with Putin - please tell us when the ceasefire begins - we are ready and we will accept it."

Zelenskyy's remarks appeared to contradict Trump's assertion that both countries had already agreed to suspend attacks on energy facilities. The discrepancy raises doubts about the status of an agreement that could have significant implications for global oil and diesel supplies.

Trump earlier declared an immediate halt to energy-related attacks, writing on social media: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!"

The president did not specify the agreement's duration or how it would be enforced.

Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian power plants, electricity networks and natural gas facilities since invading the country in 2022. Ukraine has retaliated with drone strikes against Russian oil refineries and export infrastructure, disrupting fuel production and contributing to shortages of refined petroleum products.

Trump has criticized Ukraine's refinery attacks, blaming them in part for a surge in U.S. diesel prices. His administration recently reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase diesel supplies, including easing sanctions on Russian fuel exports. Zelenskyy criticized the arrangement, arguing that additional energy revenue would help Moscow finance its war.

The dispute comes as Trump faces pressure to bring down fuel costs ahead of November's midterm elections. Higher diesel prices have increased expenses for trucking companies, agricultural producers and other fuel-intensive businesses, adding to inflation concerns. A sustained halt to attacks could ease pressure on global fuel supplies, although the extent of any relief would depend on the recovery of damaged refining capacity.

Trump made a similar ceasefire announcement in September, but neither country confirmed an agreement and attacks continued. Zelenskyy's latest remarks leave open the possibility of a negotiated halt to energy strikes while underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Trump's declaration.

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