Trump says Putin ‘wants to make a deal more than Zelenskyy’ as Ukraine accuses Russia of violating energy ceasefire
Ukraine said there was “no indication” that Russia was complying with the truce while Donald Trump said that Putin ‘wants to make a deal more than Zelenskyy.'
On October 12, 2026, US President Donald Trump asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was more inclined to reach a deal compared to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a White House press statement, Trump claimed that the Russian leader wanted to make a deal more than his Ukrainian counterpart, stating, "I think, actually, Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky."
When questioned about his recent ceasefire announcement, Trump responded, "They agreed. You know why? Because I said, 'You agree' - that's why." He added, "They agreed because I said they agreed, and that thing has to get settled."
Zelensky expressed surprise at the ceasefire announcement, telling Axios that it was news to him. He indicated Ukraine's willingness to agree to a ceasefire if Russia accepted an energy ceasefire. Ukrainian officials had also suggested suspending strikes on Russian refineries in exchange for Moscow ceasing attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities.
A diplomatic source revealed to The Jerusalem Post that Ukraine had made proposals for both nations to cease targeting energy infrastructure. Ukraine's offer required Moscow to stop striking Ukraine's electricity infrastructure. In return, the source claimed that Putin requested the removal of sanctions on Russian oil and diesel trade.
On Friday, Trump announced an agreement with Putin to increase Russian diesel supplies to American and international markets, claiming it would lower fuel prices and criticized Ukraine's refinery attacks. However, Ukrainian and European officials argued that sanction relief would benefit Russia economically but would not result in a matching commitment to reduce attacks on Ukraine.
Trump's comments followed his suggestion on Saturday that a new Ukrainian president should be elected. Zelensky responded on Sunday, stating that Ukrainians would decide their leader. He offered to organize elections if Russia agreed to a full 60-day ceasefire. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen endorsed Zelensky's call for a ceasefire, according to Reuters and Amichai Stein.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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