Zelensky proposes halting attacks on Russian refineries if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to suspend attacks on oil refineries in Russia, provided that Moscow stops strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The proposal comes after Donald Trump criticized Kyiv’s attacks on Russian oil facilities.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Ukrainian president stressed that reducing tensions must be mutual and accompanied by concrete guarantees.

“Ukraine will be ready to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries if Russia stops attacks on our energy infrastructure,” Zelensky said.

He blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the lack of willingness to end strikes on energy facilities in Ukraine and said Moscow bears responsibility for starting the war.

The proposal comes amid strained relations between Kyiv and Washington. Trump has criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and called on Ukraine to halt them, claiming that they contribute to higher fuel prices.

The US president has also said that Ukraine should have a new president willing to negotiate an end to the war. These comments have prompted reactions in Kyiv, where officials say strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are intended to limit Moscow’s ability to finance and continue the war.

There are also disagreements over the agreement announced by Trump concerning the supply of Russian diesel to international markets, along with the easing of some restrictions. Zelensky has warned that this could provide Moscow with revenue while the fighting continues.

Zelensky has meanwhile reported on continuous Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities, civilians and energy infrastructure. According to him, over the past week Russia has used around 1,450 aerial bombs, 75 missiles of various types and more than 1,640 attack drones.

He mentioned the victims of the latest attacks in Zaporizhzhia, as well as the damage caused to a medical facility in Kharkiv and a residential building in Sloviansk.

At the same time, Kyiv is working with European partners on new military aid packages. According to reports, the priorities are air defense systems and ammunition for fighter jets.

Zelensky’s position is that Ukraine cannot end the campaign of attacks on its own while its energy facilities continue to be targeted. He argues that a lasting reduction in tensions requires commitment from both sides and credible guarantees that the attacks will not resume.

It remains unclear whether the statement will lead to a concrete diplomatic initiative and whether Moscow will accept the conditions proposed by Kyiv.