United States President Donald Trump said this Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to suspend attacks on each other's energy infrastructure, effective immediately. He posted the announcement on his Truth Social platform: "Both sides have reached an agreement. Don't break it!" he wrote, without providing further information.
According to Diario Financiero, Washington did not immediately provide the requested details about the truce. The Kremlin's account of the alleged agreement is also unknown.
Kyiv's reaction was one of surprise. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski told the digital outlet Axios that he learned of the truce through the announcement. "If the Russians accept an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree," he said, and asked to be informed when it would take effect.
Later, on Telegram, Zelenski said he was awaiting details from the United States. He added that he had already discussed the matter with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Secretary General Mark Rutte, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finnish President Alex Stubb.
Hours earlier, on ABC's This Week, the Ukrainian president had asked Trump to put more pressure on Moscow. "Russia does not feel real pressure; it wants to continue," he said. He offered to stop attacking Russian diesel if Russia halts its offensives: "Don't attack us. Don't kill our children."
The announcement comes after days of tension between the two leaders. On Saturday, Trump again demanded that Zelenski halt attacks on Russian refineries and suggested he consider resigning. The clash intensified after Washington agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel onto global markets.
That measure required a Treasury Department waiver to lift sanctions. It drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats in the United States, and Zelenski questioned it because, in his view, it gives Russia more resources to sustain the war.
For Latin America, the central issue is energy. Ukrainian attacks on refineries and the decision to return Russian diesel to the market affect the global fuel supply. Chile imports much of the diesel and oil it consumes, so any change in that supply could affect local prices.
For now, the truce exists only in Trump's message. Kyiv said it is willing to comply, but the date it will take effect and Moscow's commitment remain unconfirmed.
