President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire, urging both parties to uphold the pause in attacks targeting energy infrastructure. This declaration coincides with the US administration's decision to temporarily loosen restrictions on Russian diesel exports.

Trump’s Announcement and Zelenskyy’s Response

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" The announcement followed comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who indicated Kyiv was open to stopping energy-related strikes if Russia reciprocated, describing the proposal as "fair" though not a substitute for ending the war.

Following Trump’s post, Zelenskyy confirmed via Telegram that Ukraine supports the ceasefire but is awaiting specific details from the American side. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to de-escalation steps and decisions necessary for lasting peace. Separately, Trump criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing they contribute to global price pressure, and suggested Ukraine should consider new leadership capable of negotiating deals.

Shifting Sanctions and Diesel Flows

The ceasefire announcement aligns with recent shifts in US sanctions policy regarding Russian energy products. Treasury has authorized temporary transactions involving Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027, despite maintaining broader penalties on Russia’s energy sector since the invasion, including major measures implemented in October 2025.

Moscow also partially lifted its own diesel export restrictions effective immediately. Trump has frequently cited the conflict as a driver of higher diesel costs, urging both sides to cease actions that disrupt supply chains.

Political Reactions and Deadlines

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the arrangement, labeling it a "deal with the devil." Meanwhile, Trump faces an October 18 deadline under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, which requires a decision on whether to impose additional penalties on Russia’s energy industry or waive them on national security grounds.

President Donald Trump is considering joining Saudi military operations against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. This follows a deadly missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 12 people, including one American citizen.

The attack, which injured more than 300 others, targeted terminals serving domestic flights. Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis, describing the strike as a "fully-fledged war crime" and vowing a firm response. The victims included nationals from Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Sudan.

Trump signals possible intervention

Trump stated he was weighing U.S. involvement in Saudi strikes against the rebels. "We may. We’re going to look at it," Trump told reporters. "We just found out about the recent attack. So we’ll make a decision. We move very quickly." He later confirmed plans to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling the incident "not acceptable."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the strike after confirming the death of an American citizen. "These reprehensible attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life. They must stop now," Rubio said.

Regional tensions escalate

The airport attack occurred amid a broader escalation involving Iran and Houthi forces. Late Wednesday, separate attacks were carried out in the region, including a strike on a tanker near Qatar and Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabia. These actions have threatened oil shipments near the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Brett Erickson, Managing Principal at Obsidian Risk Advisors, warned that disruptions to ship-to-ship oil transfers could severely affect regional oil flows. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia explored a military offensive against Houthi militants to secure the strategic Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, as the U.S.-Iran conflict disrupted regional logistics.

Last month, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly sought U.S. military assistance, but Trump declined direct strikes and offered intelligence support instead.