Trump made a big announcement regarding Russia and Ukraine, saying both sides had agreed to stop attacks on energy facilities. Meanwhile, Zelensky said Ukraine needs guarantees from its allies before agreeing to such a deal.
Trump demands energy truce; Zelensky demands firm guarantees. (AI generated)
US President Donald Trump on Monday made another shocking announcement that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Trump made the announcement while discussing the sharp rise in global diesel prices. The US President even linked the rise in diesel prices to the war between Russia and Ukraine, and not to the war in Iran. In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Ukraine has agreed not to attack Russian energy targets. Russia agreed to do, Also! The global rise in diesel prices is caused mainly by the Russian-Ukrainian war, and not by Iran.”
Earlier, Trump asked Zelensky to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries and diesel infrastructure, warning that such attacks were creating a global supply crisis. Meanwhile, Zelensky has asked his international allies to press for commitments from Russia to protect vital supply chains.
“Ukraine proposed to its partners to conclude an agreement with Russia that would stop the destruction of critical infrastructure. Food, energy and other life-sustaining necessities must be protected, and Russian strikes are aimed primarily at them. Daily Ukrainian energy facilities port Infrastructure, logistics and even warehouses storing food and pharmaceuticals are under attack. Ukraine is not convinced that Russia is ready to comply with any agreement,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Zelensky set a condition Ukraine
He also laid out Ukraine’s condition that it cease attacks on Russian energy infrastructure only if its allies guarantee that Moscow will refrain from attacks on Ukrainian facilities. “If our partners are willing to ensure that Russia truly refrains from attacking our electric power system, other energy facilities, critical infrastructure and food supply routes, then of course we are willing to ensure that our strikes cease accordingly. So What it is reliable, long-term, has a real impact on people’s lives and does not fall apart after the Russians hold their “elections” and get relief pressure on gasoline and diesel fuel for this period. The war must be brought to end. And a move to de-escalate critical infrastructure could be the first step toward peace. We are waiting for specifics from our partners,” Zelensky added.
Ukraine proposed to its partners to conclude an agreement with Russia that would stop the destruction of critical infrastructure. Food, energy and other life-sustaining necessities must be protected, and Russian strikes are aimed primarily at them. Every day Ukrainian…
— Vladimir Zelensky / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) September 14, 2026
Why were energy facilities at the center of the war?
For several months now, Ukraine has been carrying out drone strikes on Russia’s energy sector. At the same time, Russia intensified its aerial bombing of Ukraine. The timing of this event is important as Ukraine prepares for winter and damage to energy facilities could lead to shortage electricity in extreme weather conditions.
Meanwhile, average U.S. diesel prices have topped $6 per gallon. which record high, ultimately leads to more inflation. This is expected to affect the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November.
