US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have reached a tentative understanding to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure, as the impact of the war continues to reverberate across global fuel markets.
Trump announced the development on his Truth Social platform, saying Ukraine had agreed to stop targeting Russian energy facilities while Moscow would take a similar position.
The claim, however, has yet to receive confirmation from either side. Ukraine’s presidency declined to comment, while Moscow had not immediately responded to the statement.
The reported understanding comes amid growing concern over attacks on oil refineries and other energy facilities linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to strike Russian refineries, while Russia has continued its own attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Trump has been particularly critical of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that the strikes could worsen diesel shortages and contribute to higher fuel prices globally.
“Don’t hit diesel fuel because that’s hurting. That’s hurting the world,” Trump said during his visit to Ireland.
The US president also sought to shift attention away from the Iran conflict, arguing that the recent increase in global diesel prices was largely being driven by the Russia-Ukraine war.
His latest comments place energy security at the centre of his efforts to push both Moscow and Kyiv towards negotiations, with fuel prices and inflation remaining major concerns for the US economy.
Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Putin is interested in a deal to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also indicated willingness to engage in direct talks, although a proposed meeting between the two leaders was rejected by the Kremlin.
For now, uncertainty remains over whether Trump’s announcement represents a formal agreement or simply an understanding communicated through diplomatic channels.
If implemented, a sustained halt in attacks on energy infrastructure could ease some pressure on global fuel markets and reduce the risk of further disruptions to oil and diesel supplies.
