Zelensky: Ukraine ready for de-escalation steps if Russia halts strikes on energy sector
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to work on de-escalating the war and will discuss diplomatic proposals with partners, including US President Donald Trump. He stressed Russia must stop attacking energy facilities and food exports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country is ready to work toward de-escalating the war and to discuss concrete diplomatic proposals with international partners. He made the statement on X in response to comments from US President Donald Trump, who said Russia had lost control of its oil refining sector and called on Moscow to end its "endless war" against Ukraine.
Zelensky agreed with Trump that the war must be stopped, noting that Ukraine has sought peace since the first day of Russia's invasion. He said Ukraine has already put forward dozens of diplomatic proposals on how to end the war with dignity, guarantee security, and prevent further Russian aggression, adding that dialogue with Trump and the US administration is ongoing.
Conditions for de-escalation
The Ukrainian president revealed that ideas are under consideration that could bring peace closer and reduce the intensity of the war. These involve Russia halting strikes on energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and Ukraine's food exports. Zelensky stressed that these areas must stop being Russian targets, which would in turn allow Ukraine to take corresponding de-escalation steps. He noted that decisions on this matter are possible and that Ukraine is ready to discuss them with partners, including during meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
Zelensky also emphasized that modern technology has changed the nature of war — it is no longer only the attacked country that suffers, as the aggressor now also bears losses. He added that the strength of national leadership can and must ensure de-escalation, security, and peace.
According to sources, Zelensky and Trump are expected to meet in the US on September 22. The two leaders agreed to a personal meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York during a phone call on September 20. Axios reported that during that call, Trump urged Zelensky to have Ukraine stop striking Russian oil refineries.
