The Axios news website, citing American officials, has reported that US President Donald Trump expects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. The outlet reported early on Monday, October 12, that such a move could pave the way for a potential agreement to halt mutual attacks on energy infrastructure.
According to the report, a White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Trump's recent comments about an "energy ceasefire" refer to this possible deal. The agreement would involve Ukraine stopping its attacks on Russian oil refineries in exchange for Russia halting its strikes on Ukrainian power plants and electricity grids.
It appears that President Trump is single-handedly attempting to broker this partial ceasefire, but these efforts have not yet been met with a positive response from Moscow. Axios adds that Russia has not accepted any form of ceasefire at present and is continuing its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is desperately seeking a ceasefire that also includes a ban on attacks against its power plants. Extensive Russian attacks in recent months have destroyed a large part of Ukraine's energy network, leaving millions facing serious problems with electricity and heating on the eve of winter.
Ukrainian officials have previously stated that their attacks on Russian oil refineries are a defensive measure in response to Russia's strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. They argue that these attacks diminish the Russian war machine's ability to finance its invasion.
However, the Trump administration appears to be concerned about the impact of these attacks on global oil prices and the potential for further escalation of the conflict. It remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts to achieve this "energy ceasefire" will yield any results in the coming days.
Source: Axios
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