Trump claims Russia and Ukraine agreed to 'energy ceasefire'

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an 'energy ceasefire'. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social network, stating that 'effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine'.

According to Trump, both parties have agreed to the ceasefire, with the US president urging restraint from both Kyiv and Moscow. However, there was no immediate confirmation from Moscow, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the announcement.

Zelenskyy told the news site Axios that the ceasefire was 'news for me', but added that if Moscow agreed to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine would agree. He also stated that Ukraine is ready not to strike at Russian energy, but is awaiting clear details of America's dialogue with Russia.

The claim of an energy ceasefire comes as Trump has been urging Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which Kyiv says are vital to curtailing revenue for Moscow's war machine. Trump has also been pushing for a deal to release diesel to the US and the global market, which has been met with criticism from European officials and some US politicians.

The deal to release diesel to the US and the global market is part of Trump's efforts to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections. However, the move has been criticized for undoing sanctions on Russian imports and potentially benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

European officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have expressed support for the call for a sustained energy ceasefire. However, the BBC has asked the White House for further details on the purported agreement, and Russia has yet to comment on Trump's claim.