White House reveals details of failed energy ceasefire with Russia

Clarification on the US President's initiative

The White House provided an explanation for why the energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, proposed by US President Donald Trump, did not take effect. According to Axios, an anonymous administration official explained that the primary focus was on ceasing attacks on oil refineries. Only after an agreement was reached on this point were the parties to move on to discussing the cessation of strikes on other energy facilities.

Ukrainian side's position

A representative of the Ukrainian side, commenting on these nuances, drew attention to the one-sided nature of the proposed terms. Ukraine has only one refinery, which has repeatedly come under Russian strikes. This refers to the Kremenchuk Oil Refinery, which has been unable to resume operations for a long time due to constant attacks.

In contrast, Russia has a number of refineries that fuel the Kremlin's war machine. "We import diesel fuel and petrol. We need the Russians to stop attacking our power grid," an unnamed Ukrainian official stated.

Washington's reaction and tension between leaders

In response, Trump's representative noted that "the Russians are thinking about it," and it will soon become clear whether they are ready.

In addition, the American official emphasised that Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries are doing more damage to the relationship between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky than Russia itself. "Trump is truly furious. He believes that Zelensky takes US aid for granted," the White House representative added.