Ukraine is prepared to stop attacking Russian oil refineries if Moscow ends its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated.
According to the Ukrainian leader, a mutual halt to attacks on energy facilities could be agreed upon immediately, but Vladimir Putin has shown no willingness to take such a step.
“The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia, and Russia alone. It is already possible to stop strikes on energy infrastructure today, but Putin does not want to do so,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
The president stressed that any steps toward de-escalation must be reciprocal and backed by genuine guarantees that agreements will be honored.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump previously criticized Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that they were creating additional problems for global energy markets.
Meanwhile, Washington decided to temporarily ease sanctions restrictions on Russian diesel fuel following agreements between Trump and Putin. The move triggered a sharp reaction from Ukrainian officials.
Zelenskyy warned that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would effectively provide Moscow with an additional source of funding for its war. He also cautioned that Russia could respond to sanctions relief with further attacks against Ukraine.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, meanwhile, are intended to undermine Russia’s ability to produce and supply fuel, including for its armed forces. Kyiv considers these operations one of the tools available to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.
Leave a comment