Zelenskyy says Ukraine will pause attacks if Russia spares infrastructure

The Kremlin expressed support for US President Donald Trump's proposal for Russia and Ukraine to cease strikes on each other's energy facilities, stating it was a "very good idea." However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that an energy truce alone would not suffice to lower fuel prices worldwide. Peskov highlighted the importance of ensuring safe commercial shipping, including for oil tankers, and called for the lifting of sanctions against Russia, arguing that these would help stabilize energy supplies and global markets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to support the energy ceasefire but insisted that the US confirm Russia's genuine intention to halt the war. The issue gained significance as attacks on energy infrastructure led to fuel shortages, affecting Russia's gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel supplies. Ukraine claimed that Russian refineries were legitimate military targets.

Trump called on Zelenskyy to cease attacks on Russian diesel infrastructure, claiming it was causing a global diesel shortage. The Kremlin blamed the global energy market disruption primarily on the conflict in the Gulf. Trump initiated military strikes on Iran in February, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for oil and gas transport.

Both Russia and Ukraine have targeted commercial vessels in the Black and Azov seas, exacerbating global grain price pressure.