Zelenskyy: Russia Is the Only Real Cause of War in Europe, Kyiv Ready to Halt Strikes on Russian Refineries If Moscow Stops Hitting Ukraine’s Energy Grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia, and only Russia, for the war in Europe, stating that strikes on energy infrastructure could be halted immediately, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to do so, according to UATV English, which cited the President's social media. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's readiness to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries if Russia stops targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, emphasizing that any de-escalation measures must be mutual and backed by credible guarantees.

He noted that search and rescue operations concluded early this morning in Zaporizhzhia, where Russia killed 23 people, including four children. Over the weekend, Russia struck a medical facility in Kharkiv and launched assaults on civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and energy facilities. Zelenskyy recounted the morning attack on a five-story apartment block in Sloviansk, where an entrance was completely destroyed, possibly trapping people beneath the rubble.

He expressed gratitude to Ukraine's emergency services for their constant presence and efforts to clear the aftermath of Russian brutal strikes. In the past week alone, Zelenskyy claimed that Russia launched approximately 1,450 aerial bombs, 75 missiles of various types, and over 1,640 attack drones, with around 60% of them being jet-powered.

The president emphasized that this ongoing attack is happening constantly. Zelenskyy promised to continue coordinating with partners, including discussions with European leaders. He also mentioned that Ukraine has been working daily on various levels to secure additional defense packages, primarily focusing on air defense and ammunition for combat aircraft.

Zelenskyy's comments came in response to the proposed arrangement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russian diesel sales, in which he suggested that Washington could broker a mutual cease-fire on attacks against energy infrastructure, starting with an energy truce.