Trump’s energy armistice puts Ukraine at a disadvantage

Donald Trump unilaterally announced an “energy truce” between Russia and Ukraine, but the proposal, revealed by Axios, would apply only to halting attacks on oil refineries. The initiative caught Kyiv by surprise and has not been confirmed by Moscow.

According to a White House official, Washington expects Volodymyr Zelenskyy to honor the agreement. A possible halt to strikes on refineries could be followed by negotiations concerning power plants and electricity grids. The Kremlin has said only that it is maintaining contacts on the truce and has declined to specify whether it is in effect or which targets it covers.

The proposal is considered disadvantageous for Ukraine. Kyiv has only one refinery left, damaged by Russian attacks and operating at partial capacity, while Russia has an extensive network of refineries. A Ukrainian official called for attacks on energy infrastructure to stop, arguing that the country imports fuel.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would respond if Russia continued attacks on the energy system and critical infrastructure. He accused Moscow of already violating the truce announced by Trump and called on the United States to maintain pressure on Russia. The disagreements have deepened the crisis between Washington and Kyiv, following Trump’s harsh criticism of the Ukrainian president.