Trump and Putin: Ceasefire for Europe's energy under pressure!

Trump and Putin: Ceasefire for Europe's energy under pressure!

In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reached an agreement to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine for 30 days. According to a statement from the White House, this is the first step towards peace, which will be accompanied by technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. The Kremlin also confirmed this after Putin gave corresponding instructions to the military, according to the news agency Tass reported.

However, this ceasefire comes at a time when fighting in Ukraine continues unabated. Trump has threatened Russia with new sanctions and tariffs to put pressure on Russia. “Russia is hammering Ukraine while we try to achieve peace,” Trump wrote on his online service Truth Social, calling on both Russia and Ukraine to come to the negotiating table immediately. Despite his warnings, Russian attacks appear to be increasing, forcing the US to consider tougher measures, while the Trump administration has temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine, ZDF reports.

Trump under pressure

The pressure on Trump is growing as the Russians have increased their attacks in recent days, particularly on energy facilities. “Russia is visibly playing for time and feels safe,” said ZDF correspondent Armin Coerper. Trump is considering sweeping banking sanctions that would come into effect until a comprehensive peace deal is reached. His change in rhetoric is striking: While he initially threatened Putin directly with sanctions, he now appears to be increasingly aiming for an agreement with Moscow, which is raising concerns among some observers. In addition, the EU foreign ministers are ready to decide on a new package of sanctions against Russia in order to exert further pressure. The ceasefire negotiations could therefore be difficult and lengthy.