Ukraine offers refinery restraint if Russia halts energy attacks

President Zelensky outlined conditions for potential military de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, stating that Ukraine would consider halting refinery operations if Russia ceased targeting critical energy facilities. The proposal underscores Kyiv's strategy of conditioning any reduction in hostilities on concrete reciprocal measures from Moscow.

Zelensky stressed that any agreement would require binding guarantees rather than verbal commitments, reflecting longstanding concerns about the reliability of Russian undertakings. The Ukrainian leader's position reflects broader negotiations over the terms of potential conflict resolution.

Russia has conducted sustained campaigns against Ukrainian energy infrastructure throughout the war, causing widespread blackouts and civilian hardship. Ukraine has responded with strikes on Russian oil refineries, disrupting Moscow's fuel supply and complicating its military logistics.

The comments signal Kyiv's openness to negotiated settlements while maintaining security concerns central to Ukrainian interests. International observers have noted that energy infrastructure has become a key flashpoint in the conflict, with both sides targeting the other's fuel production capacity.