Trump says Putin more eager for Ukraine peace deal than Zelenskyy, questions energy ceasefire violations

US President Donald Trump on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared more eager than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, even as Kyiv accused Moscow of continuing attacks despite Washington's proposed energy ceasefire. Speaking to reporters before travelling to Ohio for a midterm election campaign rally, Trump said he would examine reports of ceasefire violations, but insisted that both leaders needed to come together to end the conflict. He cited heavy battlefield losses and described the war as unnecessary. "I'm not sure about that, and we'll take a look. But all I know is that Zelensky and Putin have to get together and end that ridiculous war. This month they lost 32,000 people in that war, and it's ridiculous. So they have to get together and get it done," Trump said, according to ANI. Asked about reports that Russia had continued strikes despite the proposed ceasefire, Trump said he would review the allegations, adding that there had been violations on both sides. "Well, I'll have to look at it and see because there's been violations on both sides," he said. When a reporter pointed out that Moscow and Kyiv had not both publicly confirmed an agreement, Trump maintained that the arrangement had been agreed upon. "Well, they agreed. You know why? Because I said you agree. That's why. They agreed because I said they agreed. And that thing has to get settled," he said. Asked whether Putin and Zelenskyy were willing to accept the proposed energy ceasefire, Trump said he believed both wanted an agreement but needed help reaching one. "I think they both support it. I think they want to make a deal, but they don't know how, but we're going to get them to make a deal," he said. Trump also suggested that Putin was more interested in negotiations than his Ukrainian counterpart. "I think they're going to make a deal. I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky," he said. #WATCH | On the US oil deal with Russia, US President Donald Trump says, "...We make a lot of oil. We could impose a restriction on oil, but the rest of the world would be greatly affected if we did that. We could do a restriction, a cap on diesel. Keep it all for ourselves. That would have a very big impact. It's not really a deal for me; it's a deal for the rest of the world. Anything that could help our farmers, our ranchers, I like... I do think this: Zelenskyy has to focus on making the deal, not talking about that." He adds, "I think what's happening is he (Russian President Putin) wants to make a deal, and we have to get Zelenskyy to want to make a deal... I think they're going to make a deal. I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelenskyy." (Source: US Network Pool Via Reuters) -- ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 Trump defends Russian diesel supplies Trump also defended his decision to allow Russian diesel supplies, pushing back against criticism from Republicans who questioned the move. He argued that restricting energy supplies could have wider consequences for international markets, despite the United States being a major oil producer. "Well, I think these Republicans can't really be serious. We make a lot of oil. We could do a restriction on oil, but the rest of the world would be greatly affected if we do that," he said. Trump added that Washington could impose limits on diesel supplies and reserve the fuel for domestic consumption, but warned that such a move would affect other countries. He said the arrangement was intended to benefit the wider global market and added that he supported measures that could help American farmers and ranchers. Trump also suggested that Zelenskyy should concentrate on negotiating an end to the war rather than criticising the decision. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the European Union had paid Russia $250 billion for energy, accusing media outlets of avoiding the issue. Earlier on Friday, Trump said Russia would supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes immediately thereafter. He also referred to a further three million tonnes expected within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian diesel refineries. Russian President Vladimir Putin had also said that proposed Russian supplies of oil and petroleum products to the United States and international markets would benefit the global economy. "In discussing the global energy situation, Russia reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and global markets. I am confident that this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy," Putin said. Zelenskyy accuses Russia of continuing attacks Trump's remarks came as Zelenskyy accused Russia of continuing to attack Ukrainian infrastructure despite the US proposal for an energy ceasefire. In a post on X on Monday, the Ukrainian president said a Russian Shahed drone had struck a high-rise residential building in Kyiv, killing two people and injuring nine others. He said emergency responders had extinguished the resulting fire. "The Russians continue their terror against our people, striking residential buildings and taking lives," Zelenskyy wrote, expressing condolences to the families of those killed. He argued that the attack demonstrated the need to increase pressure on Moscow, accusing Russia of prolonging the conflict despite Washington's diplomatic efforts. The Russians continue their terror against our people, striking residential buildings and taking lives. This evening, Russia struck a high-rise apartment building in Kyiv with a "shahed" drone. As of now, two people have been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Nine people have been injured. First responders have already extinguished the fire. This is further proof that Russia must face greater pressure. They are the ones continuing the brutal strikes. They are the ones prolonging the war. Even now, in response to the American proposal - "shaheds." We count on the United States to recognize these signals from Russia and act with strength. Strength is needed to force Russia to end this war. -- Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 12, 2026 "This is further proof that Russia must face greater pressure. They are the ones continuing the brutal strikes. They are the ones prolonging the war," Zelenskyy said, adding that Kyiv expected Washington to respond firmly. In a separate post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had refrained from attacking Russian energy facilities the previous night in response to Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire. He alleged that Russia, meanwhile, had continued strikes on Ukrainian gas stations, energy infrastructure and other facilities. "I think it was Putin's answer to President Trump. And the message from Russia was very clear - they don't know anything about the energy ceasefire," Zelenskyy said in remarks from an interview with Fox News. The Ukrainian president said Kyiv was prepared to uphold the proposed arrangement and called on Moscow to take corresponding steps. He accused Russia of finding reasons to avoid ending the war and reiterated his call for greater international pressure on the Kremlin. (With inputs from ANI)