Zelenskiy: Ukraine willing to halt refinery strikes if Russia stops energy attacks

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to cease its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow agrees to stop its strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This proposal marks a potential shift in the tactical approach to the ongoing conflict, linking the protection of energy assets on both sides of the border.

The announcement follows recent pressure from United States President Donald Trump, who has publicly demanded that Kyiv unilaterally halt its strikes on Russian energy facilities. By conditioning a ceasefire on reciprocal action, the Ukrainian government has framed the cessation of attacks as a mutual de-escalation rather than a unilateral concession.

Ukraine has utilized long-range drones to target Russian refineries throughout the conflict, aiming to disrupt the logistical and economic capabilities that support the Russian military effort. These strikes have frequently targeted critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory, leading to significant disruptions in fuel production and distribution.

In response, Russia has maintained a consistent campaign of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s power grid. These attacks have severely damaged the nation’s energy capacity, leading to widespread power outages and necessitating emergency repairs to maintain essential services for the civilian population.

The proposal remains a point of contention as both nations continue to prioritize the degradation of the other's energy sector. While the Ukrainian leadership has signaled a willingness to negotiate the cessation of these specific operations, there has been no immediate indication from Moscow regarding a reciprocal halt to its own energy-focused military campaign.