Ukraine Sees Risks in Trump’s Refinery Ceasefire Plan as Envoys Postpone Moscow Visit
Trump’s proposed refinery-for-refinery energy ceasefire would first require Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking oil refineries, with a possible later deal covering power plants and grids. Ukraine is disadvantaged because it has only one refinery that is not fully operational, while Russia has many, and Kyiv says its priority is protecting its electricity network. Russia has not accepted a ceasefire, and US envoys Witkoff and Kushner have delayed a Moscow visit as talks remain unresolved.
Trump’s plan would begin with a mutual halt to refinery strikes, then possibly extend to power stations and grids. Kyiv’s sole refinery has been hit repeatedly and is not fully working, while Russia has a far larger refining sector. Moscow has not accepted any truce, and US envoys Witkoff and Kushner delayed their Moscow trip.
Trump announced the energy ceasefire on Truth Social, but Zelensky said it was news to him, and a White House official said Russia was still weighing it. Russian strikes hit Ukrainian power plants hours later. Washington has urged Ukraine to stop hitting Russian refineries, which it links to US gasoline prices.
If the proposal remains unresolved, Ukrainian households and businesses could face further electricity disruptions, especially if grid strikes continue. American drivers may keep feeling pressure from gasoline prices tied to refinery attacks. The delay in Moscow talks could also strain Kyiv’s relationship with Washington, potentially affecting future coordination. Energy workers and communities near refineries or power plants on both sides may remain exposed to renewed strikes.