Washington's 'energy truce' sparks tensions with Kyiv

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday, drawing surprise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said it was "news" to him.

"Effective immediately, there is an energy ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that "both parties have agreed".

The declaration came just two days after Trump unveiled a diesel supply deal with Russia.

However, Zelensky told United States news outlet Axios that Trump's announcement "was news for me".

"But if Russians agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will agree," he said.

On Saturday, Trump said Russia was willing to reach a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine, but accused Zelensky of resisting a negotiated settlement. He also called on Ukraine to hold an election and choose a new leader who could make a deal with Moscow.

Zelensky responded that he would call a vote if Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, and that it was "up to Ukrainians" to choose their leader.

"Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organize elections," Zelensky told ABC News.

The Kremlin on Monday rejected the idea. Instead of a ceasefire, "we want long-term peace and are prepared to do everything possible to achieve it", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Putin would be ready to order the military not to attack Ukraine during the presidential election day in the country, Russian news agency RIA quoted Peskov as saying on Monday.

The dispute over the ceasefire comes as rising energy prices have become a growing political concern for Trump ahead of the US midterm elections.

XINHUA-AGENCIES