Moscow Says Trump Energy Truce Is a “Very Good Idea"—But Adds One Big Demand

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while Moscow views US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a mutual “energy truce” as a “very good idea,” halting strikes on oil refineries alone will not resolve global energy market shortages, Ukrainska Pravda reported on September 15, citing Russian state media.

“We are in contact with the Americans. We are always on the side of peaceful solutions,” Peskov told journalists.

However, he emphasized that simply securing refineries and increasing production volumes is insufficient. “The main problem is getting petroleum products to world markets,” the Kremlin representative claimed.

Peskov blamed Ukraine for disrupting maritime trade, asserting that the “Kyiv regime is not yet inclined to guarantee” the safety of oil tankers. He further demanded the lifting of what he called “illegal” Western sanctions on Russian energy exports, insisting that only removing these restrictions and ensuring safe sea transport would drive global fuel prices down, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

While Moscow attributes maritime instability to Kyiv, international monitors have previously indicated that Russia’s fleet of aging oil tankers presents significant environmental and safety risks. By operating outside standard insurance frameworks and international safety regulations to bypass established price caps, these vessels create ongoing hazards in global waters.

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War in Ukraine

Trump Says Ukraine and Russia Agreed to Halt Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

Sep 14, 2026 18:46

While acknowledging that a ceasefire on infrastructure strikes would fully stabilize Russia’s domestic fuel market by allowing refineries to operate without the threat of attack, Peskov claimed that Moscow is already implementing comprehensive security measures to protect its energy facilities independently.

Following discussions of a potential “energy truce,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had formally proposed that its international partners secure a mutual agreement with Russia to halt strikes on critical infrastructure. Under the conditions of this proposal, Kyiv would cease attacks on Russian energy targets only if partners can guarantee that Moscow genuinely stops targeting Ukrainian energy facilities, logistics hubs, and food supplies.

Ukrainian leadership remains skeptical of Moscow’s intent, warning that the Kremlin could exploit any temporary ceasefire merely to stabilize its domestic gasoline and diesel shortages ahead of scheduled elections rather than committing to a long-term de-escalation.

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