Trump: “Russia and Ukraine Agree to Energy Ceasefire” ... Ukraine Pushes Back Against Pressure for ‘Leadership Change’

[Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 11th (local time) that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacks on energy facilities in what he called an “energy ceasefire.”

Trump said that day on his social media platform Truth Social that “an energy ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine has taken effect immediately,” adding, “Both sides agreed. Don’t break it.” The White House, however, offered no further details about the announcement, including its specific scope or duration.
The announcement of the “energy ceasefire” came two days after President Trump abruptly disclosed that he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin allowing imports of Russian diesel to bring down soaring fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Trump has repeatedly pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian refineries, citing rising global energy prices. Recently, he even suggested Zelenskyy should be replaced, saying he was not doing enough to end the war.

Ukraine immediately pushed back and called for reciprocal action. President Zelenskyy said that day on social media platform X that “if Russia stops attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, we are ready to stop attacking Russian refineries,” stressing that de-escalation must be mutual. He blamed Russia, saying President Putin was unwilling to stop the attacks despite being able to do so immediately.
There was also an outpouring of discontent over President Trump’s remarks about a “leadership change.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha strongly rebutted them, saying, “President Zelenskyy is leading a war to defend [Ukraine’s] independence and has the steadfast support of the people,” and adding, “Only the people of Ukraine have the right to decide who leads the country.” 

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