In Short:
– Ukraine may pause attacks on Russian energy if Russia agrees to a similar deal, says Zelenskyy.
– Zelenskyy doubts Russia’s commitment to such an agreement and stresses the need for reliable terms.
Ukraine is open to pausing attacks on Russian energy targets if Russia agrees to a similar deal, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Zelenskyy expressed doubts about Russia’s willingness to abide by such an agreement in a social media post.
Ukraine’s proposal
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Ukraine had agreed to cease strikes on Russian energy.
Trump attributed rising diesel prices to the ongoing conflict, rather than the situation in Iran.
The White House has not yet commented on Zelenskyy’s statements.
During his visit to Ireland, Trump advised Zelenskyy to avoid targeting diesel fuel sites in Russia.
Trump’s remarks have been welcomed by Moscow.
However, Ukraine considers energy facilities as legitimate military targets amid the ongoing conflict.
Recently, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had attacked two Russian oil refineries.
He accused Moscow of using oil revenue to finance its military activities.
Zelenskyy indicated that if international partners could assure Russia would not strike Ukrainian infrastructure, Ukraine would reciprocate.
He emphasized the need for a reliable and lasting agreement to genuinely impact lives.
“De-escalation regarding critical infrastructure could be a first step toward peace,” he added.
In the meantime, global energy prices are on the rise, particularly diesel, which recently hit $6 per gallon in the U.S.
This increase coincides with escalations in the conflict involving Iran, including attacks on strategic oil pipelines.