President Trump claimed Sunday that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an "energy ceasefire" and will halt attacks on each other's energy facilities.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tells Axios the announcement "was news for me. But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree."
Why it matters: An "energy ceasefire" would be a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough ahead of the winter. It remains unclear if Russia indeed agreed to stop the strikes.
- Trump made a similar announcement last month, but neither party confirmed that there was a deal. Both Russia and Ukraine continued attacking energy infrastructure.
What they're saying: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
- In a short interview after Trump's announcement, Zelensky told Axios, "If President Trump negotiated it with Putin, please tell us when the ceasefire begins. We are ready, and we will accept it."
Catch up quick: The announcement follows days of escalating tensions between Trump and Zelensky over Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries.
- On Friday, Trump announced a deal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports in an effort to lower soaring fuel prices, infuriating Ukraine.
- On Saturday, Trump called for Ukraine to replace Zelensky, accusing him of refusing opportunities to end the war.
- Zelensky responded Sunday on ABC's "This Week," saying Ukraine would hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. He also said Ukraine was prepared to stop attacking Russian refineries if Moscow halted strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The big picture: The war with Iran has driven up global fuel prices, intensifying pressure on Trump to deliver relief for American consumers.
- "It's more difficult to stop Putin than to pressure others," Zelensky told ABC on Sunday.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.