Trump Claims 'Energy Ceasefire,' Zelenskyy Says 'News For Me'
Trump Claims 'Energy Ceasefire,' Zelenskyy Says 'News For Me'
Former President Trump announces an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expresses surprise, stating he'd agree if Russia does.
Former President Donald Trump has stirred international headlines by announcing an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, claiming the two nations have reached an agreement. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that this announcement came as "news for me."
Speaking to US news site Axios, Zelenskyy indicated his surprise but added a crucial condition: "But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree." This statement highlights a lack of prior consultation or explicit agreement on Ukraine's side regarding such a significant development.
Following Trump's declaration, Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with several international leaders, including Canadian PM Mark Carney, Finland President Alex Stubb, and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
He reiterated Ukraine's support for a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of Russia's reciprocal commitment.
"We are awaiting details from the American side.
For our part, Ukraine always FULLY supports steps toward de-escalation, the protection of lives, and the decisions needed to end the war and guarantee lasting peace," Zelenskyy affirmed.
This latest development follows a period of heightened tensions. Earlier, Zelenskyy had offered to cease Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stopped attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
This demonstrates a clear willingness from Kyiv to de-escalate if conditions are met.
Trump's announcement also comes after a weekend where he publicly criticized Ukraine. On Saturday, he warned Ukraine to "damn well stop" attacking Russian oil refineries and controversially suggested it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president." These comments followed Zelenskyy's critique of a surprise diesel deal between the US and Russia, which the Ukrainian president called a "gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin."
The diesel deal, announced by Trump, involved Russia immediately supplying over 300,000 tons of diesel to American and global markets, with further shipments planned for November and beyond, totaling millions of tons. Trump asserted that this deal, coupled with "TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz," would lead to diesel prices for Americans and the world "COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST." The timing and nature of these announcements underscore the complex and often conflicting narratives surrounding the ongoing conflict and global energy markets.
