Ukraine Offers to Halt Refinery Strikes if Russia Stops
At a Glance
- Ukraine is ready to stop attacking Russian oil refineries if Moscow halts strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
- The US president blamed Ukrainian refinery strikes for rising diesel prices and said Zelensky should be replaced as leader.
- The dispute follows a US-Russia diesel supply agreement and comes weeks before US midterm elections.
- Zelensky says he will continue discussions with European leaders on air-defense support, sanctions and Ukraine’s path toward EU membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stops targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, calling for reciprocal action backed by “real guarantees.” His statement followed US President Donald Trump’s demand that Kyiv unilaterally end the strikes, which Trump blamed for contributing to higher diesel prices.
Key Statements
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s offer depends on both sides stopping attacks on energy facilities.
“The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone,” Zelensky said, adding that strikes on energy infrastructure could stop immediately if Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed.
Trump, speaking on Saturday, said Zelensky had “better damn well stop” attacks on Russian refineries. He also suggested Ukraine should choose a new leader, arguing that Zelensky had missed opportunities to reach a deal with Moscow.
Focus Area: Energy Strikes and Political Pressure
The dispute has intensified following Trump’s announcement of an agreement for Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets. The US administration has also temporarily eased sanctions affecting Russian fuel imports, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials and some US lawmakers.
Zelensky has argued that the arrangement could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war effort. Analysts have also questioned whether the available fuel volumes would be sufficient to bring about a lasting reduction in prices.
Rising diesel costs have become a political concern for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections, when Democrats could gain control of one or both chambers of Congress. Diesel is important to freight transportation, agriculture and other sectors, making its price a significant economic issue.
Domestic Response in Ukraine
Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should replace Zelensky has also drawn criticism in Kyiv. Some residents interviewed by media outlets said Ukraine’s leadership should be determined by Ukrainians, not external pressure.
Ukraine’s martial-law framework prohibits holding national elections during wartime. The debate over leadership has therefore added a domestic political dimension to the dispute over energy targets and negotiations with Russia.
European Engagement and Security Support
Zelensky said he would continue discussions with European leaders on Sunday. Ukraine is also seeking additional air-defense packages and ammunition for aircraft used to intercept Russian drones.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is due to attend a European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, where ministers are expected to discuss increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and advancing Ukraine’s EU accession process.
FYI
The disagreement reflects competing priorities within the Western response to the war: Washington is under pressure to contain fuel costs, while Kyiv argues that easing economic pressure on Moscow could weaken Ukraine’s security and negotiating position. A mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure could reduce damage to essential civilian services, but its credibility would depend on clear terms, monitoring and consequences for violations. Zelensky’s demand for guarantees underscores the central obstacle: neither side has announced a new, agreed energy truce, and the proposal remains conditional on reciprocal Russian action.
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