Trump Suspends Russian Sanctions as Russia Strikes Ukraine Energy Grid

President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to suspend American sanctions, allowing Russia to sell millions of tons of diesel fuel to the United States. The agreement provides billions in revenue to Russia without securing a ceasefire or concessions. In tandem with the deal, Trump demanded that Ukraine cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, suggesting President Volodymyr Zelensky find a new president after he initially objected.

While Trump claimed the parties reached a settlement because he commanded it, both Russia and Ukraine denied agreeing to a truce. Despite Trump's claims of an energy ceasefire, Russia launched aerial bombardments against energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing five people and leaving 600,000 without power. Zelensky eventually agreed to halt attacks on Russian refineries, but Russia continued targeting six Ukrainian power plants.

Ukraine's operational capabilities faced further pressure as SpaceX imposed speed limits on Starlink terminals used by Ukrainian drones, with CEO Elon Musk stating the military version is controlled by Trump and the U.S. military. In response to the instability, Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London, where Burnham pledged accelerated delivery of air defenses. On the battlefield, Ukraine reported liberating 277 square kilometers in the east, while Russia claimed to have downed 902 Ukrainian drones.