US President Donald Trump stated that both Russia and Ukraine had violated the energy truce he had declared, adding that he would need to verify claims of specific breaches. Trump told reporters on his way to Ohio, where he was set to attend a political rally.
When asked if both sides had agreed to the truce, Trump replied: "They agreed because I said they agreed." He was asked about Ukrainian claims that Russia had violated the energy truce at least six times that day. "I will have to look at that and see, because there have been violations on both sides," Trump said, without specifying which Ukrainian breaches he was referring to in his statement.
Trump asserted that Vladimir Putin wanted a peace agreement more than Volodymyr Zelensky. "Putin wants to reach a deal more than Zelensky," he said, without specifying the basis for his assessment. He also stated that Putin and Zelensky "must meet and end this ridiculous war."
Trump had previously announced that an energy truce between Russia and Ukraine would take effect immediately, meaning a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky had then stated that he had learned of the deal from Trump's announcement, but that Ukraine was prepared to honour it provided Russia did the same. Russia had not previously confirmed it had agreed to the truce.
Zelensky had earlier stated that Ukraine had not attacked Russian energy facilities following Trump's announcement, but accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Kyiv reported a series of new Russian strikes on the infrastructure. A Ukrainian MP stated on Thursday that the truce was "only in Trump's head."
Zelensky announced in the evening that two people had been killed and nine injured in a Russian drone attack on a residential building. He stated that the attacks demonstrated the need for greater pressure on Moscow.
Trump's latest comments came days after an agreement was reached that allowed for increased exports of Russian diesel. Trump claimed that the additional volume of fuel would help reduce prices, while Zelensky described the move as a "weak decision" that provided Russia with additional revenue for the war. The US administration is simultaneously pressuring Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian refineries. Reuters reported that Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, had told Ukrainian officials that business with Russian diesel could help bring Moscow back to the negotiating table.
