Ukraine Will Stop Hitting Refineries if Russia Halts Energy Attacks, Zelensky Says

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated on Sunday that his country would cease attacking Russian oil refineries if Russia ceased its assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This comment came after criticism from US President Donald Trump, who blamed Ukraine's strikes for the rise in fuel prices. Tensions between the two leaders have escalated since Friday, when Trump announced a deal allowing Russia to release substantial quantities of diesel into the global energy markets in exchange for sanctions relief.

Zelensky dismissed the deal as "a weak decision," asserting that it would encourage Russia to continue attacking Ukraine. However, Trump contended that Ukraine's strikes were responsible for the surge in fuel prices. Gasoline and diesel prices in the United States have increased since late February, when joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran led Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil exports from the Gulf.

Zelensky emphasized to X that any de-escalation efforts must be reciprocal and supported by genuine guarantees. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the country has endured numerous waves of attacks on its energy infrastructure, resulting in power and heating disruptions for millions during the winter months. The conflict between Zelensky and Trump unfolded weeks before the US elections, which have been marked by voter discontent over rising living costs.