Zelensky defends oil strikes, calls for energy ceasefire
Ukrainian President Zelensky defends oil refinery strikes, calls for energy ceasefire amid global tensions.
2 min read
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended his country’s strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, emphasizing that ‘lives are more important than the price of energy.’ Speaking to The Wall Street Journal during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Zelensky highlighted the importance of protecting Ukrainian civilians over concerns about rising energy costs.
Strikes on Russian Refineries
Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian forces have taken 45% of Russia’s refining capacity out of operation, though this figure has not been independently verified. According to The Wall Street Journal, Russia accounted for 11% of global diesel exports in 2,025 before the strikes significantly reduced production. Moscow has since restricted most diesel exports to preserve its own supplies.
International Reactions
French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a mutual moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure, while former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Zelensky to halt attacks on refineries due to their impact on global energy markets. Despite these calls, Zelensky maintained that the rise in energy prices is primarily due to the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, not Russia.
Energy Ceasefire Proposal
After speaking with Trump at the UNGA, Zelensky expressed willingness to accept a freeze on energy attacks under certain conditions. In an X post, he wrote, ‘We are ready for an energy ceasefire if they do not attack our energy system, our electricity, heating, and water supply. This is our proposal.’ Zelensky also mentioned that the American side would share the proposal with Russia, though he was unsure of the Russian position.
Winter Preparedness and Trilateral Talks
Looking ahead to the winter, Zelensky requested a winter package of Patriot missiles and licenses to produce them from the Trump administration. He also called for security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky continued to push for a trilateral meeting between himself, Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, ‘The most important move President Trump can make is to organize a trilateral meeting where the leaders can raise all the sensitive issues and try to end the war.’
Source: OANN
