Zelensky: Ukraine agreed to halt refinery strikes only if Russia stopped too

President Volodymyr Zelensky clarified Ukraine's position on halting attacks against Russian oil refineries, saying Ukraine was prepared to stop the strikes — but only as part of a reciprocal agreement. Ukraine would cease strikes on Russian refineries if Russia simultaneously stopped attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Zelensky stated.

The clarification comes after US President Trump announced a ceasefire on energy infrastructure last Sunday without consulting Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukraine initially respected the announcement, but Russia continued striking Ukrainian power plants and energy facilities. Ukraine then resumed its refinery strikes in response.

Trump has blamed Ukraine's refinery attacks for rising global oil prices and threatened to withhold US intelligence and slow Starlink if Ukraine continued. Zelensky rejected the framing, arguing Ukraine cannot unilaterally comply while its own energy infrastructure is being destroyed.