Zelensky: Ukraine Ready to Stop Strikes on Russian Refineries If Russia Halts Energy Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to halt its strikes against Russian oil refineries, but only if Russia reciprocates by ceasing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The proposal represents a rare mutual de-escalation overture amid the ongoing war.

Zelensky's offer and conditions

"The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia, and only Russia. Today it is already possible to actually stop the strikes on energy, but Putin does not want to do this. Ukraine will be ready to stop strikes on Russian refineries if Russia stops striking our energy infrastructure," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

The president emphasized that any de-escalation steps must be mutual and accompanied by genuine guarantees, making clear that Ukraine would not take unilateral action without binding assurances from Moscow.

Scale of Russian attacks

Zelensky highlighted the scale of recent Russian bombardments, noting that in just the past week, Russian forces fired approximately 1,450 guided aerial bombs, 75 missiles of various types, and more than 1,640 attack drones — of which roughly 60 percent were jet-powered.

Background: Trump-Putin deal sparks controversy

The proposal follows US President Donald Trump's announcement on October 9 that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and reached an agreement on the supply of Russian diesel fuel to American and global markets. That deal triggered sharp criticism from Ukraine and European partners, who viewed it as undermining the sanctions regime against Russia.