Ukraine ready for 'de-escalatory steps', says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that his nation is prepared to de-escalate the conflict with Russia, should its adversary reciprocate, following US President Donald Trump's announcement that the two foes had agreed to cease strikes targeting energy infrastructure. As international oil prices rose once more, Trump had criticized Ukraine's assaults on Russian refineries, attributing the fuel shortages to them.

In a surprise social media post, Trump declared on Monday that Ukraine had consented to refrain from targeting Russian energy installations, and Russia had agreed to do the same.

During his daily address, Zelenskyy emphasized a substantial proposal from the United States concerning a mutual halt to strikes on essential infrastructure. He added: "If this can become the first de-escalatory step – stopping Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure, and ours in response – then Ukraine is ready to support de-escalation."

Zelenskyy explained that the Russians seem to be feeling pressure due to Ukraine's precise responses against Russia's war economy. He noted that so far, no one has observed genuine willingness from Russia to end the war.

Trump has emphasized that the Russia-Ukraine war and not the conflict with Iran is causing fuel prices to soar for Americans who will vote in crucial midterm elections in November. A previous attempt by Trump to secure a ceasefire was overshadowed by the US-Israeli conflict against Iran, now in its seventh month. Even though Ukraine has targeted refineries deep within Russia, Zelenskyy has escalated calls for allies to provide additional anti-missile defenses as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine's railway system.

The CEO of the state Ukrainian Railways operator informed AFP on Monday that strikes on the rail network are worsening each week, describing the situation as "growing exponentially."