Ukraine shrugs off Trump's 'energy ceasefire' announcement as Russian drones fly 'throughout the day'

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026 · last updated 12 October 2026.

Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine via Truth Social on Sunday, claiming both sides had agreed to the terms — yet Zelensky described the deal as "news to me" and Russian drones continued striking Ukrainian targets throughout the day. Zelensky said Ukraine would honour the ceasefire if Putin did likewise: "If President Trump negotiated it with Putin — please tell us when the ceasefire begins." Defence Secretary Wes Streeting argued the timing was no coincidence, pointing to American midterms less than a month away. The dispute followed Trump's Friday agreement to lift sanctions on Russia in return for hundreds of thousands of tonnes of diesel, which Zelensky condemned as a "gift to Putin."

Trump had already called for Zelensky to be replaced, saying Ukraine should 'get a new leader who can make a deal.'

Zelensky said he would organise Ukrainian elections if Russia observed a 60-day ceasefire, a significant concession.

According to Ukraine's defence ministry, 51 per cent of Russia's refining capacity has been destroyed, casting doubt on Russia's ability to deliver the diesel it promised.