Kyiv | October 13, 2026
US President Donald Trump has insisted that an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine remains in place, even as Ukrainian officials report fresh Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The conflicting accounts have raised doubts about whether the proposed truce has been implemented, with neither Moscow nor Kyiv confirming a fully agreed arrangement.
Trump Calls for an End to the War
Trump announced the immediate energy ceasefire on October 11, saying both sides had agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. He urged Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to avoid further escalation and work towards ending the war.
However, the announcement came without publicly detailed terms, leaving questions about the scope and enforcement of the proposed truce.
Ukraine Reports Attacks on Energy Facilities
Zelenskyy said Russian forces struck several Ukrainian energy sites despite Trump’s announcement. The reported targets included a gas facility and a petrol station, while Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported damage to gas production infrastructure in the Kharkiv region.
Ukraine has called on Washington to ensure Russia respects the proposed ceasefire and warned that it could respond if attacks continue.
Moscow Rejects a Broader Temporary Truce
The Kremlin has said Russia wants a long-term peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. Russian officials have not confirmed that a detailed energy truce is operational, adding to uncertainty surrounding Trump’s announcement.
Zelenskyy has proposed a 60-day broader ceasefire to create conditions for elections, but Moscow has rejected that proposal.
Energy Security and Diplomatic Pressure
The dispute comes amid rising global fuel prices and Trump’s recent move to ease certain US restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Ukraine and European allies have criticised the decision, arguing that additional energy revenue could benefit Russia’s war effort.
A functioning energy ceasefire could help protect fuel supplies and infrastructure, but continued attacks and the absence of clearly confirmed terms leave its prospects uncertain.
