Zelensky Says Will Stop Russia Refinery Attacks. But There's 1 Condition
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv will stop its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries under one specific condition. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to halt these strikes if Russia agrees to stop its own attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The offer comes as US President Donald Trump pushes to bring down energy costs ahead of the midterm elections, recently announcing a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply global markets with Russian diesel. Trump temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel shipments for six months to facilitate the arrangement, drawing sharp condemnation from Kyiv.
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- ✓ President Donald Trump announced he secured an agreement from Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply markets with Russian diesel fuel.
- ✓ The US Treasury Department is easing restrictions on Russian diesel shipments for six months.
- ✓ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will stop strikes on Russian diesel if Russia pauses its attacks.
- ✓ Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia will be able to return diesel exports to levels above those outlined by Trump.
What changed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly tied the halt of refinery strikes to a reciprocal halt of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Live updates
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Zelensky Conditions Refinery Pause on Russian Energy Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv will stop its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries under one specific condition. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to halt these strikes if Russia agrees to stop its own attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The offer comes as US President Donald Trump pushes to bring down energy costs ahead of the midterm elections, recently announcing a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply global markets with Russian diesel. Trump temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel shipments for six months to facilitate the arrangement, drawing sharp condemnation from Kyiv.
Why it matters
The diplomatic friction highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv as the Trump administration attempts to negotiate energy supplies. President Donald Trump has heavily criticized Ukrainian leadership, recalling past friction including a stormy Oval Office meeting in February 2025. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has welcomed the diesel agreement and the subsequent criticism of Zelenskyy as political victories.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump announced he secured an agreement from Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply markets with Russian diesel fuel.
- The US Treasury Department is easing restrictions on Russian diesel shipments for six months.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will stop strikes on Russian diesel if Russia pauses its attacks.
- Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia will be able to return diesel exports to levels above those outlined by Trump.
Still unconfirmed
- Trump cut the Putin diesel deal only after Zelensky ignored six pleas to stop refinery strikes.
What to watch next
- Whether Russia agrees to an energy ceasefire with Ukraine
- Future enforcement or extension of the six-month US sanctions waiver on Russian diesel
- Further diplomatic developments or friction between the Trump and Zelenskyy administrations
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (22)
- www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
- Reuters — Ukraine's Zelenskiy says intelligence shows Russia is preparing massive attack
- www.zerohedge.com — Payback: Trump Cut Putin Diesel Deal After Zelensky Ignored Six Pleas To Stop Refinery Strikes | ZeroHedg....
- www.cnn.com — Ukraine’s Zelensky blasts ‘weak’ Trump deal with Putin on diesel supply
- Politico — Zelenskyy urges Trump to endorse 'energy ceasefire' with Russia
- The Jerusalem Post — Ukraine offered halt to energy infrastructure attacks, says source
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — President Zelenskyy: 'We will stop' strikes on Russian diesel if Russia pauses attacks
- NDTV — Zelensky Says Will Stop Russia Refinery Attacks. But There's 1 Condition
- www.rte.ie — Kyiv says Russia hit energy targets despite Trump truce
- english.aawsat.com — Russia Says Its Diesel Exports May Exceed Volumes Announced by Trump
- www.hngn.com — Russia Spares Grid, Hits Kharkiv as Ukraine Pauses Refinery Strikes
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Breaking News Live Updates: Supreme Court likely to hear Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc leaders' plea against ECI's SIR decisions tomorrow
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