New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Sunday said Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an "energy ceasefire" without offering specifics on terms. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to have been left out of the dealings with Russia, responding scathingly when a journalist informed him of Trump's announcement mid-interview. "It is news for me," Zelenskyy responded to the abrupt announcement made by the American President.
Zelenskyy likely left out of the energy ceasefire
In a short interview after Trump's announcement, Zelenskyy told Axios, "If President Trump negotiated it with Putin, please tell us when the ceasefire begins. We are ready, and we will accept it." It means Zelenskyy was not consulted while announcing the mega deal.
The announcement comes a day after Trump blamed Zelenskyy for attacking diesel facilities in Russia and contributing to a global shortage. Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly attacked each other's energy infrastructure during the war.
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Trump's brief post said only that the ceasefire takes effect immediately and that both sides had agreed to it. "Do not break it!" he said in his social media post.
The White House did not immediately clarify the president's post or add detail. However, as of updating this news, the White House only posted a screengrab of Trump's Truth Social Post where he announced the Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire.
"Awaiting details from the American side"
However, in a short while, Zelenskyy took to the social media platform and said he spoke to Canadian Prime Minister, NATO Chief, and Finland President. Following the conversation, he said, "Ukraine supports the ceasefire, and it is important that Russia support it as well." "We are awaiting details from the American side," added the Ukrainian President. This again means, he was not consulted before the American President made any formal announcement about the energy ceasefire with Moscow.
"For our part, Ukraine always FULLY supports steps toward de-escalation, the protection of lives, and the decisions needed to end the war and guarantee lasting peace," he added.
Trump's surprising moves ahead of midterms
It is important to note that these developments unfolded within a span of 48 hours after Trump announced a deal under which Russia would supply diesel to the US. The move was widely viewed as an attempt to ease the financial burden on Americans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as Republicans face mounting pressure amid rising inflation.
Later on Saturday, Trump made a strong statement targeting Zelenskyy, saying that a lasting deal between Russia and Ukraine would be possible only if the Ukrainian president were ousted. Responding to Trump's ouster warning, Zelenskyy on Sunday told ABC News that this would only be possible if the citizens of Ukraine want, not the American President. "Trump said that Ukraine needs a new president… With all respect to Trump, it's up to our people to choose one or another leader," he told ABC.
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