Trump says Putin wants deal more than Zelensky, insists ceasefire has been agreed upon

US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more eager to reach a deal than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while defending his announcement of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump insisted both sides had agreed to an energy ceasefire, though Zelensky said the announcement surprised him and that Ukraine would agree if Russia accepted the terms. Trump also suggested Ukraine should hold a new presidential election, to which Zelensky responded that Ukrainians would decide their leader.

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more eager to reach a deal than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while defending his announcement of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. A reporter asked Trump about his ceasefire announcement, saying neither side had agreed to it. Trump responded, 'They agreed. You know why? Because I said, "You agree" — that's why. They agreed because I said they agreed, and that thing has to get settled.' Trump announced on Sunday that an 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine would take effect immediately, without detailing the agreement. Zelensky subsequently told Axios that the announcement 'was news for me,' and said Ukraine would agree if Russia accepted an energy ceasefire. A diplomatic source told the Jerusalem Post that Ukraine had made several proposals for both countries to stop targeting energy infrastructure, and that Putin sought the removal of sanctions limiting Russian oil and diesel trade. On Friday, Trump announced an agreement with Putin to increase Russian diesel supplies to American and international markets. Ukrainian and European officials warned that sanctions relief would benefit Russia economically without securing a matching commitment to curb its attacks on Ukraine. Trump also suggested on Saturday that Ukraine should have a new president. Zelensky responded that Ukrainians would decide who leads their country, and offered to organize elections if Russia agreed to a complete ceasefire lasting 60 days. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed Zelensky's call for a ceasefire.