British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed US President Donald Trump’s call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire targeting energy infrastructure in the Russia-Ukraine war, as uncertainty remains over whether Moscow and Kyiv have formally agreed to the proposed arrangement.
Trump announced on Sunday, October 11, that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks on each other’s energy facilities. However, the announcement caught Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by surprise, and Russia had not immediately confirmed the reported agreement. <Cite refs={“turn585662search4″,”turn585662search10″”turn585662search4″,”turn585662search10”}/>
In a statement posted on X, Burnham said Russia had intensified attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure over the weekend, describing the strikes as attacks on civilians that could leave people without electricity and heating.
“The UK strongly supports President Trump’s call for a sustained energy ceasefire to start now,” Burnham said.
The British prime minister added that he had discussed the issue with Zelenskyy on Saturday and said Ukraine was prepared to participate if Russia stopped its attacks.
Burnham also argued that ending strikes against energy infrastructure could help restore supplies of energy and fuel to international markets. The position reflects concerns about the wider economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the effects of disruptions to energy infrastructure and fuel supplies.
According to a statement from the UK government following Burnham’s conversation with Zelenskyy on October 10, the two leaders agreed on the need to maintain pressure on Russia and strengthen sanctions. They also discussed the importance of an immediate ceasefire covering Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea. <Cite refs={“turn585662search1″”turn585662search1”}/>
Trump’s announcement came amid controversy over his administration’s decision to ease certain US sanctions affecting Russian diesel supplies. The move drew criticism from Ukraine and European allies, who argued that allowing Russian fuel exports could generate revenue for Moscow while the war continues. <Cite refs={“turn585662news41″,”turn585662news42″”turn585662news41″,”turn585662news42”}/>
The disagreement illustrates the diplomatic challenges surrounding efforts to reduce hostilities. While Washington has presented the proposed energy truce as an immediate arrangement, Kyiv has indicated that further details and reciprocal action are necessary.
For Ukraine, the central issue remains whether Russia will stop attacks on its energy infrastructure. For the UK, Burnham’s statement signals support for a ceasefire alongside continued pressure on Moscow through sanctions.
The proposed arrangement could help protect critical infrastructure and reduce disruptions to energy supplies if both sides implement it. However, with the terms still unclear and Russia’s position not immediately confirmed, the extent to which the announcement will translate into a sustained halt in attacks remains uncertain.
