Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries, provided that Moscow ceases its strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Speaking on Sunday, Zelenskyy emphasized that any cessation of hostilities must be reciprocal and supported by credible guarantees.

The offer comes amid heightened tensions following recent attacks on power facilities in Ukraine, which Kyiv attributes to Russian forces. Zelenskyy underscored that the root cause of the ongoing conflict in Europe remains Russia, reaffirming Kyiv’s stance that Moscow is responsible for the war.

The proposal contrasts with calls from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently urged Ukraine to unilaterally halt its strikes against Russian targets. Zelenskyy’s response highlighted the need for mutual actions rather than one-sided measures, stressing that a sustainable de-escalation depends on both parties adhering to the agreement.

The energy infrastructure in Ukraine has been a focal point of the conflict, with repeated attacks causing widespread disruptions. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of targeting power plants and other critical facilities in an effort to undermine Kyiv’s resilience. In turn, Kyiv has launched operations against Russia’s fuel supply chains, including strikes on oil refineries within Russian territory.

While Zelenskyy’s statement signals a potential avenue for reducing hostilities, it remains to be seen how Moscow will respond to the call for a coordinated ceasefire on energy-related targets. The ongoing conflict, which erupted in 2022, has seen numerous ceasefire attempts and proposals, often hindered by mutual distrust and continued military operations.

International observers continue to monitor developments closely, given the strategic importance of energy infrastructure in sustaining both civilian populations and military capabilities. A successful mutual agreement to halt attacks on such facilities could ease civilian hardships and reduce the risk of further escalation. However, both sides have so far been reluctant to concede ground without substantial assurances.