Trump announces Ukraine

Trump announces Ukraine-Russia 'energy ceasefire', catching Zelenskyy by surprise

Hours after the US president's announcement, Ukraine reported that several power stations had been hit by Russian strikes.

Published 12 October 2026 6:29am

United States President Donald Trump has sowed confusion after announcing an "energy ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia that sparked astonishment in Ukraine, silence from Russia and support from Ukraine's Western allies.

But the ceasefire appeared shaky at best, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying that Russia had since struck multiple Ukrainian power plants, including one in the capital and another in Kharkiv, leading to power outages.

Trump's announcement early on Monday morning came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, prompting outrage by European allies and Ukraine, who said it would only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine," Trump said on Truth Social.

"Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!"

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Zelenskyy appeared to express surprise at the announcement, saying he was seeking further details, but added that "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well".

Russia has yet to confirm its agreement.

Zelenskyy later said that multiple Ukrainian power stations had been hit and that "Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian 'shaheds' all day," referring to a type of drone originally designed by Iran that is now used extensively by Russia.

Since launching a full-scale invasion of its neighbour in 2022, Russia has systematically hit Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leading to energy and heating shortages, prompting Ukraine to hit back at Russian oil refineries it says fund the war.

Trump, whose war against Iran has led to global oil shortages, has blamed Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries for sending diesel prices soaring, creating major risks for his party in US elections next month.

The ceasefire appeared to garner support from Ukraine's key western allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and the European Commission.

Several leaders called on Russia to uphold the deal.

But that support was in contrast to broad criticism of the US-Russia diesel deal earlier in the week, which has led to mounting tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said the diesel deal was a "weak decision," while several of Ukraine's European allies expressed outrage and pledged to increase pressure on Russia.

Seven US senators — including four Republicans — released a statement blasting the diesel deal with Russia, saying it was illegal.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added to the chorus after a call with Zelenskyy, saying the diesel deal "is in direct opposition to the efforts of Ukraine, Canada and our allies to create peace and stability in Europe".

Energy Minister Chris Bowen also criticised the deal, saying: "We do not want Vladimir Putin to benefit from this war in the Middle East."

"What the United States does is a matter for them. But we won't be changing our approach," he said on Saturday.

Asked about the criticism, Trump said it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president" who would finally settle the war.

Zelenskyy pushed back, telling ABC News that "it's up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader".

He said that fuel prices were rising because of the war in the Middle East and the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

"Everybody understands it," he said.

Germany's foreign minister said Germany continued to "fully support" Zelenskyy.

"Europe needs stability, and that means that we are very clearly continuing to stay by the side of Ukraine and its government," Johann Wadephul said in Berlin.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen also backed the Ukrainian leader "as he leads the fight for his people's freedom".

"Fully supported the call of President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia," von der Leyen wrote online after talking to Zelenskyy.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris supports a "real energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine.

"Currently, Russia continues to refuse that, by lately intensifying further its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure," Macron said. "France will continue to stay by the side of Ukraine and President Zelenskyy."

And in Kyiv, several residents expressed concern about Trump's call for Zelenskyy to be replaced.

"I believe our president is the best, and Americans should think about their own president," said 40-year-old Olesia Goncharuk.

"We Ukrainians decide our own fate and our own freedom, and we are free people," she told the Agence France-Presse news agency.

The row between Zelenskyy and Trump comes weeks before closely fought US elections dominated by voter frustration over the cost of living.

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