Ukraine ready to stop strikes on Russian refineries if Russia halts attacks on its energy infrastructure – Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is prepared to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, provided that Russia ceases its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia bears sole responsibility for the war in Europe. He further mentioned that Ukraine is ready to cease targeting Russian refineries starting today.

Zelenskyy stressed that any de-escalation efforts must be mutual and supported by concrete guarantees. Last week, Russia launched approximately 1,450 aerial bombs, 75 missiles, and over 1,640 attack drones against Ukraine, with roughly 60% of these being jet-powered. The Ukrainian leader also announced forthcoming discussions with European leaders to bolster defense assistance.

Today, Zelenskyy indicated that further coordination with partners, including talks with European leaders, would continue. They will work on additional defense packages, focusing primarily on air defense and munitions for combat aircraft. On October 9, U.S. President Donald Trump agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply between 300,000 and 3 million metric tons of Russian diesel fuel to U.S. and global markets.

The primary aim was to alleviate prices. The U.S. Treasury Department subsequently issued a license to facilitate the sale, delivery, unloading, and import of Russian-origin diesel fuel until April 7, 2027. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy denounced the U.S. decision as insufficient, claiming that the Ukrainian negotiating team in the United States was merely being used as a distraction. He accused the White House of failing to treat partners fairly.