Zelenskiy Offers Russia Energy Truce Amid Trump Pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow agrees to stop targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s demand for a unilateral halt.

The proposal comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv after Trump accused Ukrainian refinery strikes of contributing to rising US diesel prices. On Saturday, Trump warned Zelenskiy to stop the attacks and suggested Ukraine should replace its president to facilitate a peace agreement with Russia.

Global diesel prices have surged since the Iran war began in February, creating economic and political challenges for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.

Zelenskiy maintained that any agreement to halt energy infrastructure attacks must involve reciprocal commitments from Russia and include credible security guarantees.

"The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone," Zelenskiy said, arguing that Russian President Vladimir Putin could immediately end attacks on energy facilities but refuses to do so.

The Ukrainian leader also criticized Washington’s recent diesel supply agreement with Moscow, warning that additional Russian energy revenues could strengthen the Kremlin’s military operations.

Energy analysts questioned whether the US-Russia diesel deal would significantly reduce fuel prices, noting that expected shipments remain substantially below Russia’s normal export volumes.

The agreement also faced criticism from American lawmakers. Republican Representative Don Bacon argued that Washington should increase sanctions against Moscow rather than ease restrictions.

Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should change its leadership sparked frustration among Kyiv residents. Sabina, a 40-year-old teacher, rejected foreign interference in Ukrainian politics, emphasizing that elections are prohibited under martial law because of wartime security concerns.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy said discussions with European leaders would continue Sunday, focusing on additional air defense assistance and ammunition for Ukrainian aircraft intercepting Russian drones.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to attend Monday’s European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting, where officials are expected to discuss stronger sanctions against Russia and progress toward Ukraine’s EU membership.

The diplomatic dispute highlights growing disagreements over Russian energy exports, Ukraine’s military strategy and efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.