Zelenskyy says Ukraine could stop energy strikes if Russia does the same

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Ukraine could cease energy strikes against Russia if the Russian military halted its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In an address at the Yalta European Strategy forum on Sept. 11, Zelenskyy proposed an "energy ceasefire" where both nations would protect their respective energy systems.

He emphasized that Russia is aware of the potential consequences of striking Ukrainian energy systems, as Ukraine would retaliate in kind. Zelenskyy further stated that Ukraine intends to utilize September and October to rejuvenate diplomatic efforts toward ending Russia's war, with potential negotiations taking place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump conversed with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone, urging the cessation of the ongoing conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any ongoing substantive discussions on an energy ceasefire with Ukraine, asserting that no such talks are currently underway.