Ukraine's European allies say they would seek to increase economic pressure on Russia after Donald Trump announced a diesel deal with Vladimir Putin and an energy ceasefire. There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow, and Kyiv says it has no information about it.
European governments moved to seek more economic pressure on Russia after Trump struck a diesel deal with Putin and claimed a ceasefire on energy attacks. The US president also suggested on Saturday that Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be replaced as Ukraine's leader, a remark that shocked Kyiv and its allies.
Trump announces an energy ceasefire without immediate confirmation from Moscow
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social. According to his post: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine." The post also said both parties had agreed.
However, there was no immediate confirmation from Moscow, and Ukraine's presidential office said it had no information. A senior official close to Zelenskyy told the FT that nobody had heard of it.
Trump is keen to bring down fuel prices, which have soared largely because of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in the spring. His comments came after frustration at Kyiv's refusal to pause its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. US officials have threatened to cut off intelligence sharing if Zelenskyy does not stop hitting Russian oil refineries.
Zelenskyy offers a reciprocal halt
Zelenskyy gave a highly critical first response to the diesel deal but said Ukraine would halt its strikes if Moscow made a reciprocal deal. He also challenged Trump to force Putin to stop attacks long enough for Ukraine to hold elections, which the constitution suspends during martial law. Zelenskyy told ABC News he wants 60 days of total ceasefire to organise them.
Kyiv kept up its air campaign on Sunday. A drone attack shut down a Yandex data centre, the third strike on the company's facilities in four days.
Allies vow more pressure while Italy debates Russian energy
Britain's defence secretary Wes Streeting described the diesel deal as a response to looming US midterm elections. He said the UK intends to do more to raise economic pressure on Russia, including through sanctions. Zelenskyy's office confirmed he would head to London in the coming week.
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said Putin needed more pressure to force him to the negotiating table.
Reactions in Italy were mixed. Defence minister Guido Crosetto appeared to criticise Trump's decision, while far-right leader Roberto Vannacci called on Italy to restart Russian diesel imports.
Source: Financial Times
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