Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is prepared to stop attacking Russian oil refineries if Moscow halts its strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In a statement on Sunday, October 11, Zelensky stressed that any reduction in attacks must be mutual and supported by reliable guarantees. His remarks came amid renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Kyiv to stop targeting Russian fuel facilities, linking the attacks to rising diesel prices.

Zelensky said Russia could end strikes on energy infrastructure immediately but accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of refusing to take that step. He reiterated that Ukraine would consider suspending attacks on Russian refineries if Moscow stopped targeting Ukrainian energy facilities. The Ukrainian leader emphasised that any de-escalation agreement must involve commitments from both sides rather than requiring Ukraine to halt its operations unilaterally.

The statement followed Trump’s criticism of Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil and diesel production facilities. Trump argued that the strikes were contributing to fuel shortages and rising prices, particularly in the United States. He also made remarks questioning Zelensky’s continued leadership, intensifying tensions between Washington and Kyiv at a time when efforts to negotiate an end to the war remain uncertain.

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The dispute has also been fuelled by a recent US-Russia arrangement involving Russian diesel supplies and sanctions relief. Zelensky criticised the agreement, arguing that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports without securing a halt to attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure could strengthen Moscow’s ability to continue the war. Ukraine has maintained that economic pressure on Russia remains an important part of its effort to limit Moscow’s military resources.

Russia has repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022. These strikes have damaged power facilities and disrupted electricity supplies, raising concerns about the impact on households and essential services as colder weather approaches. Ukraine, in response, has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities, saying the operations are intended to weaken the resources supporting Russia’s military campaign.

Zelensky’s latest statement leaves open the possibility of a reciprocal halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, although no agreement between Moscow and Kyiv has been announced. He has insisted that any arrangement must include enforceable guarantees to prevent either side from resuming strikes. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to coordinate with European partners on military assistance and air defence as the conflict persists, with energy infrastructure remaining a central target in the ongoing confrontation.

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