'We have one refinery' — Zelensky says energy ceasefire must cover power grid, not just oil
Ukraine will halt its strikes against Russian refineries only if Moscow ceases its attacks against the Ukrainian power grid, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 12, signaling that a refinery-only truce makes little sense for a country with a single, badly damaged refinery.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on October 12 that Ukraine will cease its attacks against Russian refineries only if Moscow stops targeting the Ukrainian power grid. Zelensky, speaking in a video address to the Warsaw Security Forum, lamented the nation's sole, severely damaged oil refinery in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast.
The revelation emerged following U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that both Kyiv and Moscow had agreed to an energy truce, a claim that left Ukrainian officials perplexed. Zelensky, in his speech, confirmed that Ukraine learned of the purported truce solely through media reports, but reiterated his willingness to abide by it if Russia reciprocates.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine demonstrated no aggression against Russian refineries overnight, while Moscow struck a Ukrainian gas production facility. The Kremlin has yet to confirm adherence to any truce. Furthermore, an undisclosed White House official indicated to Axios that Trump's proclamation pertains exclusively to oil refineries, hinting that a more comprehensive ceasefire encompassing the energy grid may follow.
Russia, a leading global oil refiner, relies heavily on its extensive network of refineries to finance its war efforts in Ukraine. Ukrainian drones have been targeting Russian refineries throughout the conflict to diminish the Kremlin's wartime earnings, while Moscow has been launching attacks on the Ukrainian energy grid and other vital infrastructure, resulting in extensive power, water, and heat outages.
Ukrainian officials caution that Russia is gearing up for another substantial assault on energy infrastructure during the upcoming winter. Zelensky warned that should Russia fail to agree to an energy ceasefire, Ukraine will respond accordingly. Recent days witnessed Trump pressuring Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian refineries and suggested that Ukrainians should replace Zelensky if they desire an end to the war.
Trump also proclaimed a deal to purchase Russian diesel and blamed Ukrainian attacks for the global diesel supply crisis, despite evidence pointing to the U.S. war against Iran as the primary culprit behind the current shortage.
European allies of Ukraine have already expressed skepticism regarding the alleged energy truce. Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief diplomat, expressed doubt that Russia would also adhere to the truce. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot acknowledged the announcement as "a good thing," but stressed the necessity of following up effectively, given that Russians continue to attack energy infrastructures on the brink of winter, particularly in Kharkiv.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
