Zelensky: Ukraine ready for energy truce if Russia stops strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with CBS, cited by his press office, that no agreement has yet been reached with Russia on a truce covering energy infrastructure, though Ukraine remains ready for such a step.

According to Zelensky, when Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Ukraine, they suggested considering an arrangement covering oil refineries and other energy facilities. He said he told them Ukraine was open to an energy truce, but stressed the need to clarify what that would actually mean for Ukraine. He noted that for Russian President Vladimir Putin, energy is primarily about selling oil and gas, whereas for Ukraine it means electricity and gas supplies for its people.

Conditions for a truce

Zelensky explained that a genuine truce would mean a complete halt to strikes on energy facilities using any type of weapon. He said that if Russia claims it will not strike certain facilities, it must put forward a list of the specific sites it wants excluded from Ukrainian strikes. The president added that even during wartime, moments for de-escalation can be found, and that engaging in negotiations itself signals political will to end the war.

Background

On September 14, US President Donald Trump said Ukraine and Russia had reportedly agreed not to strike energy facilities. That evening, Zelensky commented on the US proposal for a mutual halt to strikes on critical infrastructure, saying Ukraine would support such a de-escalation step.

The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that talks on halting strikes on energy facilities have been underway for some time, but Kremlin leader Putin is in no hurry to reach a deal before winter sets in. Zelensky stressed that Russia continues to attack Ukraine's energy facilities, while Ukraine's defense forces keep responding with strikes on enterprises supplying the aggressor state's military-industrial complex.