Russia Calls Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Proposal ‘Good Idea’ Amid Ongoing Strikes

The Russian government has responded positively to US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a mutual halt in attacks on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the initiative as a “very good idea” and an “energy ceasefire” during a statement on Tuesday.

However, Peskov clarified that Moscow’s support comes with conditions, insisting that any agreement must also permit Russia to continue exporting oil without obstruction. “It is necessary to ensure safe commercial shipping and navigation here, including for oil tankers,” he stated, adding that Russia would maintain communications with Washington regarding the matter.

The diplomatic overture followed Trump’s claim on social media on Monday that both nations had agreed to refrain from striking each other’s energy targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a more measured response, characterizing the plan as a “strong US proposal” for a mutual cessation of attacks on critical infrastructure rather than a finalized agreement.

“If this can become the first de-escalatory step… then Ukraine is ready to support de-escalation,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. He emphasized that Kyiv would consider its own de-escalatory moves only if American partners could ensure Russia was genuinely prepared to end the war for the long term.

Despite the diplomatic discussions, combat operations persisted overnight. Russia launched approximately 200 drones at Ukrainian cities, resulting in two fatalities—one in the capital, Kyiv, and another in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian officials reported damage to petrol stations and energy infrastructure.

In retaliation, Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces had struck an oil refinery in Syzran, located in Russia’s Samara region along the Volga River, as well as drone production facilities in the Taganrog and Oryol regions. “Russia continues to attack our energy sector, regular logistics and critical infrastructure… our responses to them for this are tangible,” Zelenskyy posted on social media.

On the eastern frontline, Ukrainian military reports indicated a successful ground offensive north of the town of Lyman in the Donetsk region. Forces reportedly liberated more than 10 square kilometers of occupied territory and cleared an additional 75 square kilometers of Russian infiltration. The operation aims to relieve pressure on the fortified cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Separately, Moscow voiced strong objections to a French security initiative aimed at extending France’s nuclear deterrent to other European nations. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeled the plan “reckless,” stating, “Of course, this is creating risks for us… And of course, we must control it.”

France, the sole nuclear power in the European Union, has proposed that participating allies temporarily host French nuclear-armed aircraft while Paris retains exclusive control over the weapons. Finland recently became the tenth country to join the framework, alongside Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal indicated that Estonia is currently in discussions about potentially joining the initiative.