Unbeknownst to Zelensky, Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine on Energy Infrastructure

Russia and Ukraine are to adhere to a ceasefire with respect to energy installations, the White House announced Sunday after reports that the United States may cut off arms to Ukraine if it continues to target Russia’s oil infrastructure. Mr. Trump, who earlier announced a deal to lift sanctions to allow Russian diesel sales aimed at reducing the cost of gasoline ahead of the midterm election on November 3, said that “both parties have agreed. Do not break it.” The announcement was news to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been facing heated recriminations from President Trump in recent days. “Unfortunately, Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian ‘Shaheds’ all day today. There have been glide bomb strikes and strikes on our energy infrastructure too. A power plant in Kharkiv was attacked this evening,” Mr. Zelensky posted on X.“Overall, this past week alone, the Russians have carried out more than 200 strikes on our electricity generation and transmission facilities in Ukraine, and another 17 strikes this week targeted gas and oil facilities. They have killed more than 150 of our people, and more than 700 people have been wounded,” he added.On Saturday, the U.S. president echoed demands by President Vladimir Putin of Russia for Ukraine to hold a presidential election, an option that is not constitutionally possible during martial law. Linking hits on Russian oil refineries to global oil prices, the president said Mr. Zelensky “wants to make problems for the world.” “He’d better damn well stop,” Mr. Trump said, before adding that Ukraine should “get a new leader” who can make a peace deal.According to the Financial Times, the administration was calling European officials to lobby them to support ending intelligence sharing with Ukraine and the procurement of weapons being used to target Russian refineries. However, while the U.S. president reportedly is lobbying Europe, Mr. Zelensky said his country is planning to receive more assistance from Europe, including $3.36 billion in military support to be allocated “as early as next week.” The EU has already provided $1.39 billion in recent months.In the meantime, an independent journalist and author, Michael Weiss, said several Ukrainian sources confirmed that they can continue deep strikes without U.S. intelligence, should it be cut off, as long as Europe continues to help. “Ukrainian officials say they will continue to hit Russian refineries, which generate money and fuel for Moscow’s war effort, unless Russia also agrees to stop bombing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Putin has rejected a mutual pause,” Mr. Weiss posted on X. American lawmakers also expressed their dismay at Mr. Trump’s decision to import Russian oil. “Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine. Congress was clear: the U.S. should not import oil from Russia until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and ceases threats against our NATO Allies,” seven bipartisan members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said in a statement released Sunday.“President Trump’s decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute,” reads the statement urging the president to reverse course. In the House, lawmakers announced plans to introduce legislation, named the “Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act,” to block any and all purchases of Russian oil. Sponsor Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, said once Congress returns after the midterm election, the bill “will be forced to the Floor via discharge and it will pass overwhelmingly.”Mr. Zelensky said Sunday that he’d love a ceasefire, but Mr. Putin has rejected all proposals to deescalate. Ukrainian Armed Forces remain at attention awaiting orders to stand down if Mr. Putin will “follow through on what President Trump said.” Mr. Putin has not commented publicly.Mr. Zelensky also told ABC’s “This Week” that Russia doesn’t feel pressure to end the conflict that began in February 2022, which prevents his country from holding a vote since it cannot ensure security measures could protect people going to polls. “With all respect to President Trump, it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader. Yes, we are in war, and now to do elections is really difficult,” he added, noting Mr. Putin’s desire to change the presidency of Ukraine. “Please tell Putin give us two months, 60 days, of total ceasefire and we will organize [an] election,” Mr. Zelensky said.

Unbeknownst to Zelensky, Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine on Energy Infrastructure

Unbeknownst to Zelensky, Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine on Energy Infrastructure

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