Ukraine to stop refinery strikes when Russia curbs energy attacks

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said on Sunday that his nation would consider halting attacks on Russian oil refineries if Russia reduced its assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This statement came after criticism from US President Donald Trump, who blamed Ukraine's strikes for driving up fuel prices. Tensions between the two leaders have escalated since Friday, when Trump announced a deal that would see Russia release substantial amounts of diesel into global energy markets in exchange for sanctions relief.

Zelensky dismissed the deal as a "weak decision," asserting it would incentivize Russia to continue attacking Ukraine. In contrast, Trump attributed rising fuel prices in the US to Ukraine's strikes, which have led to surging gasoline and diesel prices since late February. The situation was exacerbated by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which forced Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil-export route.

Zelensky emphasized that any de-escalation measures must be reciprocal and supported by genuine guarantees during a X post. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the nation has carried out repeated attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power and heating during harsh winters. The dispute between Zelensky and Trump precedes the upcoming US elections, with voter frustration over the cost of living being a significant factor.