White House Frames Russia-Ukraine Energy Ceasefire as Potential Pact

The White House described a potential Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire involving a possible halt to attacks on refineries, with potential expansion to power plants and energy grids.

The proposal would effectively exchange a halt in refinery strikes by both sides. A Ukrainian official said the arrangement is uneven because Ukraine has one refinery, which has been repeatedly attacked and cannot fully operate, while Russia has a large refining network.

A White House official said Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries could harm the relationship between President Trump and Zelensky more than they affect Russia. The official said Trump is angry and believes Zelensky has taken U.S. support for granted.

The White House official described the refinery arrangement as a potential agreement, rather than a completed ceasefire. Trump’s special envoy Witkoff and Kushner have also paused planned travel to Moscow as the broader Ukraine crisis continues.