Trump Announces Energy Ceasefire Amid Russian Diesel Deal

President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on October 11, 2026, claiming both nations agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure. The announcement followed a deal between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to import up to 4.8 million tons of Russian diesel—starting with 300,000 tons—to lower global fuel prices before the U.S. midterm elections. To facilitate this, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a temporary license waiving sanctions on Russian diesel through April 2027.

Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arguing that Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries drove up diesel costs and that Ukraine needs a new leader to reach a peace settlement. Zelenskyy rejected these calls, asserting that leadership is the choice of the Ukrainian people, though he offered to organize elections if Russia committed to a total 60-day ceasefire. Zelenskyy conditionally supported the energy ceasefire, stating Ukraine would stop hitting refineries if Russia reciprocated.

Despite the announcement, Russian forces continued striking Ukrainian power plants in Kyiv and Kharkiv on October 11. Zelenskyy described the U.S.-Russia diesel deal as a betrayal that finances the Russian war effort. The agreement drew sharp criticism from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada, with European leaders reaffirming their support for Zelenskyy and warning that easing sanctions provides Moscow with critical funds for its invasion.