Zelensky says will stop hitting Russia refineries if US provides missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that his nation will cease targeting Russian oil refineries if the United States provides Ukraine with Patriot interceptor missiles, according to a Fox News interview. The Ukrainian leader stated that Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including refineries, electricity, and gas, prompted the request.

Zelensky indicated that if Washington supplied the missiles for a month, Ukrainian forces would halt attacks on Russian refineries for the same duration. The acquisition of Patriot missiles is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian drones and missiles. While the US State Department announced approval for the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine on Friday, Zelensky cautioned that the delivery process could span several years.

Ukrainian officials have been concerned about their dwindling stocks of interceptor missiles. Last week, Zelensky proposed that US and European allies could provide Ukraine with missiles from their existing inventories, which would be replenished by the new purchase authorized on Friday. The latest cease-fire in the Ukraine conflict, which was only in effect in the eastern Kherson region, ended on Sunday after Russia declined an offer to extend it.

Discussions between Russia and Ukraine mediated by the United States are scheduled to resume this month, following a suspension caused by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.