Kremlin welcomes Trump's energy truce proposal and calls for sanctions relief

The Kremlin has expressed support for a proposal regarding a moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the suggestion, attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, as a positive initiative, noting that Russia intends to remain in contact with American officials regarding the matter.

President Trump stated on Monday that both Ukraine and Russia had reached an agreement to refrain from targeting each other’s energy facilities. However, there has been no official confirmation of such a pact from either Kyiv or Moscow. Despite the discussion of a potential truce, both nations continued to engage in energy-related strikes, with reports of Russian attacks on petrol stations in Kyiv and a Ukrainian strike on a Russian oil refinery occurring on September 15.

While acknowledging the proposal, the Kremlin indicated that an energy ceasefire alone would be insufficient to stabilize global fuel prices. Peskov emphasized that additional measures are required, specifically calling for the removal of what he termed illegal sanctions against Russia and its energy supplies. He argued that only by lifting these restrictions could global markets be adequately supplied and prices lowered.

Furthermore, the Kremlin highlighted the need to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and navigation, particularly for oil tankers. Peskov stated that the current Ukrainian government has not yet demonstrated a willingness to guarantee such security for maritime exports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the proposal on Monday, stating that Kyiv is prepared to support an energy ceasefire under specific conditions. He indicated that such an agreement would be contingent upon Washington providing assurances that Moscow is genuinely committed to the terms of the arrangement.