Ukraine will only stop attacking Russian oil as part of an energy ceasefire, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended the country's ongoing attacks on Russian oil refineries, dismissing U.S. calls to cease the action. In a statement on social media, Zelensky argued that Russia is solely responsible for the war in Europe and that Moscow must first stop targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure before Ukraine will stop attacking Russian oil refineries.

The Ukrainian leader noted that Ukraine is prepared to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if Russia ceases its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelensky's remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Zelensky to stop attacking Russian refineries, and after Washington announced a deal with Moscow to import diesel, despite the illegality of such a move under U.S. law.

Zelensky emphasized that any de-escalation measures must be reciprocal and backed by genuine guarantees, given Russia's history of violating ceasefires in the past. The pressure on Zelensky highlights the effectiveness of Ukraine's attacks on Russia's refining capacity, which Ukrainian military sources estimate has been reduced by 45%.