Trump announces Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire, but agreement remains uncertain

President Donald Trump says an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is in effect, but questions remain about whether both countries have agreed to the arrangement.

(NBC)-President Donald Trump says an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is in effect, but questions remain about whether both countries have agreed to the arrangement.

Trump announced the agreement Sunday in a post on Truth Social, writing, “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Axios the announcement was “news for me,” although he indicated he would be willing to accept such an agreement.

Later Sunday evening, Zelenskyy said Russian forces struck a Ukrainian power plant, raising additional questions about the reported ceasefire.

Russia has not publicly confirmed the agreement.

Despite the uncertainty, Trump maintains that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach a settlement.

“President Putin would like to see a settlement, strongly,” Trump said, adding that Russia was making more oil available to the global market at lower prices.

The ceasefire announcement follows Trump’s decision Friday to lift U.S. sanctions allowing Russia to supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the global market.

The move has drawn mixed reactions from Republican lawmakers.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota praised the decision, calling it “another example of our president thinking out of the box.”

However, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina questioned whether the president was acting within the law.

“I do believe there’s a legitimate case for saying the president’s not following the law,” Tillis said.

He also expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, warning that the Russian leader could attempt to undermine Trump.

The decision to ease sanctions comes as the White House faces pressure over high fuel prices and consumer concerns ahead of the November midterm elections.

While the administration hopes additional diesel supplies will help ease energy costs, some energy experts question whether the move will significantly lower prices.

For now, the status of the proposed energy ceasefire remains uncertain, with neither Ukraine nor Russia publicly confirming a mutual agreement.