Zelensky stands by Russian refinery strikes as Trump demands he’s replaced
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv is ready to stop attacking Russian oil refineries only if Moscow halts strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, after President Donald Trump demanded that Ukraine get a new leader.
In a statement published on Sunday, Zelensky said Russia alone was responsible for starting the war in Europe and accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of refusing to take steps to de-escalate the conflict.
“The real cause of the war in Europe is Russia and Russia alone,” Zelensky said. “It is possible to stop strikes on energy infrastructure as early as today, but Putin does not want to do so.”
He added that Kyiv would suspend its attacks on Russian refineries only if Moscow agreed to stop targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, stressing that any halt must involve both sides and be supported by credible guarantees.
” Ukraine will be ready to stop striking Russian oil refineries if Russia stops striking our energy infrastructure. Any de-escalation steps must be reciprocal and backed by real guarantees,” he said.
The statement comes amid an escalating dispute between Kyiv and Washington over a controversial deal struck by Trump and Putin to allow Russian diesel supplies into US and global markets in exchange for easing sanctions on Russian energy exports.
Trump criticised Zelensky on Saturday over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, warning that the Ukrainian leader must stop the strikes and suggesting he should be replaced.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
