Trump Claims Energy Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine, Despite Ongoing Strikes

United States President Donald Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to cease attacks on each other's energy infrastructure, urging both nations to end the ongoing conflict. Trump's comments on October 13, 2026, came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces had struck at least six Ukrainian energy facilities since the announcement of the truce on October 12. "Well, they agreed," Trump told reporters, referring to Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He added, "Because I said, ‘You agree’. That’s why they agreed, because I said they agree." When questioned about the Russian strikes, Trump acknowledged the need to review the situation, indicating that there have been violations from both sides. Trump characterized the war, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as a "disaster" and claimed, without evidence, that at least 32,000 people had died in October alone. He emphasized the necessity for Zelenskyy and Putin to negotiate an end to the conflict. Trump's announcement of the energy ceasefire had surprised Kyiv and its European allies, occurring shortly after he eased US sanctions on Russian diesel, a decision that drew criticism from both Ukraine and European lawmakers. Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine had not attacked Russian refineries overnight and expressed readiness to sign guarantees for the ceasefire, but he indicated that it was clear Moscow would not comply. He reported that Russian attacks had resulted in 33 injuries across Ukraine on the same day. In contrast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, stating that Russia would continue its military operations. Trump has suggested that Ukraine is the primary barrier to peace, asserting that Putin is more willing to negotiate than Zelenskyy. Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher noted that Trump has previously announced agreements that did not materialize. The latest announcement appears to be influenced by Trump's desire to lower diesel prices ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3, amid rising public dissatisfaction with inflation. Meanwhile, Ukraine's European allies have expressed skepticism about the ceasefire and have implemented new sanctions against Russia, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating that serious negotiations will only occur under pressure.