Zelensky: Energy ceasefire means no attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that, in the event of an agreement on an energy ceasefire, Russia must not strike Ukraine’s energy facilities with any type of weapon.

He made these remarks in an interview with CBS, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

“The inability to transport oil and sell it is a major blow to the Russian budget—more than 100 billion a year. This year it will be even more—150 billion. We never strike first. Our tactic is to respond where we can, because Putin does not respect the weak and would not even consider negotiating with them,” Zelensky said.

According to him, when U.S. President’s special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Ukraine, they suggested “thinking about oil refineries and other energy infrastructure.”

“I told them that we are ready for an energy ceasefire, but we need to understand what that means for Ukraine. For Putin, energy means selling oil and gas. For us, energy means electricity and gas for our people. My message was this: if the Russians are ready for an energy ceasefire, that means no attacks on energy infrastructure with any type of weapon,” the head of state said.

The president added that there should be no blockade on agricultural exports, because this is a matter of food security for many people on other continents.

“Russia has up to 70 million metric tons of agricultural products for sale. Ukraine needs to sell about 30 million. This is also in their interest,” he said.

The head of state noted: if the Russian side does not plan to attack certain targets, then it must present a list of its own targets—those it does not want the Ukrainian side to attack.

“Even during a war, it is possible to find opportunities for de-escalation. If you are negotiating, it means you are demonstrating goodwill or the political will to end the war,” Zelensky emphasized.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he hopes to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York next week. According to him, the key topics will be a maritime and energy truce.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is ready for an energy truce and hopes that the joint efforts of international partners will lead to its achievement.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine