Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday expressed willingness to de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Russia by halting strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, conditional on Moscow reciprocating by ceasing attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. His statement followed a social media announcement by US President Donald Trump, who claimed both sides had agreed to suspend strikes on energy targets, although details of such an agreement were not disclosed and Russia had yet to comment.
Zelensky described a proposal from the United States aimed at a mutual halt to attacks on vital infrastructure as a potential first step toward easing hostilities. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness to support de-escalation if Russia genuinely commits to ending the war and refrains from further destruction. However, Zelensky noted that so far, no clear indication of Moscow’s sincere intent to end the conflict has emerged.
Trump’s announcement came amid escalating international energy concerns. The US president blamed Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries for contributing to a global shortage of diesel fuel and rising prices in the United States, a key issue heading into November’s congressional midterm elections. While Trump argued that the Russia-Ukraine conflict, rather than tensions with Iran, is the primary driver of increased fuel costs, analysts highlight complications related to restricted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Russian refining capacity.
Recent weeks have also seen an intensification of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s transportation infrastructure. Oleksandr Pertvosky, CEO of the state-run Ukrainian Railways, reported a steady increase in attacks, which have targeted key routes near international borders. An incident near the Polish-Ukraine border involved a strike on a train frequently used by diplomats, and Russian attacks have also affected border checkpoints with Moldova, according to officials.
Previous attempts at ceasefires or partial pauses in fighting have repeatedly collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations by both Kyiv and Moscow. While Trump called on Zelensky to halt strikes against Russian energy facilities, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that any appeal to Ukraine to stop attacks on civilian economic infrastructure is welcome.
Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for allies to assist in securing a genuine ceasefire commitment from Russia, stressing that Ukraine’s energy, port, logistics, food, and pharmaceutical infrastructures continue to suffer significant damage. He called for concrete proposals from international partners to advance toward ending the war, framing the cessation of infrastructure attacks as a potential foundation for longer-term peace efforts.