Russia-Ukraine energy truce? Kremlin welcomes Trump's proposal with 'conditions'

The Kremlin on Tuesday signalled support for the Trump administration’s proposal calling for a Russia-Ukraine moratorium on targeting each other’s energy infrastructure.

The positive response from Russia comes after President Trump urged Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian diesel facilities as it is hurting energy markets and causing fuel shortages.

On Monday, President Trump said both countries had agreed not to attack each other’s energy infrastructure and facilities. But such an agreement was not confirmed by any side. Even on Tuesday, Russia targeted petrol stations in Kyiv and Kyiv retaliated by striking a Russian oil refinery.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “Trump's suggestion was a very ⁠good idea,” but it would take more than that to bring down global fuel prices.

"It is ​necessary to ensure safe commercial shipping and navigation here, including for oil tankers. The Kyiv regime has ​so far shown no inclination to guarantee such security," Peskov said.

"And the second thing that needs to be done is, of course, to lift sanctions (against Russia) and these unlawful restrictions on energy supplies. Only then will the world be ​adequately supplied with these petroleum products, global markets will stabilise, and prices will move lower."

He further added that Russia will remain in touch with the US regarding proposals.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated Monday that Kyiv would back an energy ceasefire only if Washington guarantees Moscow's genuine commitment to ending the war.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have triggered fuel shortages and export restrictions in Russia, driving up global prices for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel while stoking inflation.