Zelensky says Ukraine ready for ‘de-escalatory steps’
The Ukrainian president made the remark after US President Donald Trump announced that both Russia and Ukraine had agreed to end strikes on energy sites.
President Volodymyr Zelensky declared Ukraine prepared to de-escalate hostilities with Russia if Moscow reciprocated, following US President Donald Trump's announcement that the two nations had agreed to cease strikes on energy targets. With oil prices rising, Trump had previously criticized Ukraine's assaults on Russian refineries, claiming they had driven a diesel fuel shortage.
In a surprise social media post, Trump declared on Monday that Ukraine had agreed not to target Russian energy infrastructure, and Russia had agreed to do the same. Zelensky emphasized a significant proposal from the US regarding a mutual halt to strikes on critical infrastructure, stating that if this could be the first de-escalatory step—ending Russian strikes on Ukrainian critical infrastructure and vice versa—Ukraine would support de-escalation.
He noted that Russia appeared pressured due to Ukraine's precise responses against its war economy. However, Zelensky acknowledged that no genuine desire for ending the war had been seen from Russia. He added that if American partners succeeded in securing Russia's sincere and long-term commitment to stop the war, Ukraine would follow suit with its own de-escalatory measures.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
