US President Donald Trump has stated that Ukraine and Russia have allegedly agreed not to carry out attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. He posted the message on 14 September on Truth Social, although the Ukrainian authorities have not officially confirmed that such an agreement has been reached. The US President did not disclose the details of the proposed arrangement.
Briefly about the main points
- Trump announced an alleged mutual agreement to refrain from strikes on the energy sector.
- The Ukrainian authorities have not announced a final agreement.
- Zelenskyy plans to discuss this issue with the US President.
- The day before, Trump urged Kyiv not to attack Russian oil refineries.
- Diesel prices are also affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The parameters of the proposed scheme are yet to be agreed upon
Trump He did not specify the duration of any potential pause, the mechanism for monitoring compliance, any exceptions, or the list of facilities to which it might apply. Without such conditions, the proposal to halt attacks on the energy sector could be interpreted in different ways by the parties.
Zelensky plans to discuss with Trump the possibility of cessation of strikes on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine and Russia. A potential meeting between the presidents could take place next week in New York on the sidelines of the General UN General Assembly.
In March 2025, following discussions between the US and Russia, the White House announced its intention to draw up measures to enforce the ban on strikes against energy infrastructure. At that stage, the focus was not on a ready-made mechanism, but on further agreement on the terms of its implementation.
Trump had previously asked Kyiv not to attack Russian oil refineries
The day before, the US President had publicly called on Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil and diesel infrastructure. According to Trump, the attacks are reducing fuel production in Russia and affecting the global diesel market; he advised Ukraine to focus on other targets.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow welcomes calls to halt attacks on civilian economic infrastructure. At the same time, the Russian side insists that Ukraine cease its strikes on its oil refineries and other energy facilities.
Diesel prices are rising due to a number of factors
The average price of diesel fuel in the US has exceeded $6 per gallon for the first time. Long-term strikes on Russian oil refineries Fuel production in the Russian Federation was being scaled back, whilst Moscow’s restrictions on diesel exports were reducing the volumes available on the global market.
At the same time, price pressures are not limited to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Associated Press and the US Energy Information Administration also point to low distillate stocks, seasonal autumn demand, the conflict in the Middle East and supply disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz. Further clarity regarding a possible pause will depend on negotiations and public agreement on its terms.
