Donald Trump announces major Ukraine ceasefire update after Zelensky row

0Donald Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire. (Image: Getty)US president claims deal has been struck after furious bust-up with Volodymyr Zelensky over Russia rowDonald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have reached an "energy ceasefire" amid a row with Volodymyr Zelensky over an oil deal with Moscow. The US president took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce and warn both countries not to breach the agreement.

He wrote: "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP."

He did not give any further details. The Ukrainian president said it was "news for me" but that Ukraine would agree if Russia did, according to news site Axios.

In another interview with US broadcaster ABC, he said he was willing to organise elections in Ukraine if Russia stuck to a 60-day ceasefire. Mr Trump had said it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president" after Mr Zelensky objected to the US deal announced on Friday to obtain millions of tonnes of diesel from Russia, saying it would extend the war.

Andy Burnham has reiterated his "complete solidarity", with the Ukrainian leader and plans to meet the British Prime Minister in person in the coming days.

Mr Trump is under pressure to bring down fuel prices ahead of November's midterm elections that will decide control of Congress.

Diesel prices have rocketed in recent months because of the disruption to global supplies caused by the US-Israel war against Iran and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting told Sky News on Sunday morning: "Let's be candid about this: midterms are coming up, cost of living is an issue.

"No doubt President Trump is feeling the same pressure that lots of leaders are facing in terms of wanting to ease cost-of-living pressures, energy prices."

Mr Streeting also sought to downplay the effect of the move on US support for Ukraine, saying people should not "overstate the impact".

He told the BBC: "We actually do a lot of procurement with and through the United States to support Ukraine with things like missile defences. There is clearly a big effort being led by the United States on the diplomatic track.

"So, let's not overstate the impact of President Trump's decision on purchasing oil from Russia, and let's not also understate US support for Ukraine."