Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to refrain from attacking each other's energy infrastructure, a claim he posted on Truth Social without providing details. Volodymyr Zelensky described a proposed halt to strikes on critical infrastructure as a possible first step toward peace but expressed skepticism about Moscow's willingness to comply. Ukraine has targeted parts of Russia's oil sector while Russia has struck Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel stations; both sides have also attacked Black Sea targets. Zelensky said any pause must be backed by partners with verifiable guarantees and should not be limited to Russia's Sept. 18–20 elections.
Trump Says Russia and Ukraine Agreed to Halt Strikes on Energy Infrastructure — Zelensky Cautious
US President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to Deerfield, the US Ambassador's residence in Phoenix Park, during his trip to the Republic of Ireland. (is associated with: «Trump: Moscow and Kiev agree to halt attacks on energy facilities») Naoise Culhane/PA Wire/dpa
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to refrain from attacking each other's energy infrastructure, though he provided no further details.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:
"Ukraine has agreed not to hit Russian Energy targets. Russia has agreed to do, likewise! The World's Diesel price rise is mostly caused by the Russia/Ukraine War, not Iran."
Reaction From Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on X, calling any step that reduces strikes on critical infrastructure "a first step towards peace." In an evening video address he described the initiative as a "strong proposal" and said Ukraine would support de-escalation measures that actually prevented attacks on vital facilities — provided Russia stopped such strikes as well.
Zelensky reiterated doubts about whether Moscow would genuinely abide by any agreement but said Ukraine was ready to take reciprocal steps toward de-escalation if the United States and other partners could secure a "sincere and long-term" end to the conflict. He also warned that any pause should not be limited only to the period of Russia's parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 18–20.
What Happened on the Ground
There was no immediate response from Moscow to Trump’s statement. In recent months, Ukraine has targeted parts of Russia's oil sector, contributing to disruption in Russia's fuel market. Russia, in turn, has struck Ukrainian energy facilities and individual fuel stations. Both sides have also attacked targets in the Black Sea, further complicating regional security and maritime traffic.
On Sunday, speaking at his Doonbeg resort on Ireland's west coast, Trump urged Zelensky to stop attacks on Russian refineries and blamed Kyiv for a global diesel shortage, saying Ukraine could pursue "plenty of other targets." Trump did not address the potential effects on global energy markets of concurrent tensions involving Iran or developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials reported no new strikes on energy facilities by either side since Sunday. Zelensky said he had proposed to Ukraine's partners that any agreement with Russia must include robust assurances that Moscow would genuinely refrain from targeting electricity systems, other energy infrastructure, critical logistics routes, and food-supply chains.
Context: Any practical halt to attacks on energy infrastructure would be a significant, if fragile, step toward lowering civilian hardship and stabilizing regional energy markets, but its success depends on verifiable guarantees and third-party monitoring — which Kyiv says it requires before implementing reciprocal steps.
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