WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy cease-fire, just days after his announcement of a major diesel purchase arrangement with Moscow sparked backlash in Kyiv.
“Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Ukraine had been targeting Russian energy facilities, including refineries, in response to repeated strikes by the Kremlin on Ukrainian infrastructure. The Trump administration has said those Ukrainian attacks contributed to higher diesel prices by disrupting refinery operations in Russia.
Diesel prices have become a political challenge for Trump ahead of the midterm elections. The national average stood at $6.28 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.
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The United States halted imports of Russian energy, but Energy Secretary Chris Wright has argued that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have tightened global diesel supplies and helped drive up prices for American consumers.
After speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, Trump said the United States intended to buy large quantities of diesel from Russia: 300,000 tons immediately, another 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons afterward.
The proposed deal prompted an angry response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called it a “betrayal.” The announcement also drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
Opponents questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to buy Russian diesel without approval from Congress, citing the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022.
