Zelensky proposes ceasefire on refineries in exchange for one month of Patriot supply

The head of state defined clear criteria for a possible ceasefire on Russian oil refineries. According to him, Kyiv is ready to make a step towards de-escalation if Moscow also stops destroying Ukrainian energy facilities.

Condition for ceasefire

Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised the principle of reciprocity in the context of military operations. He noted that Ukraine cannot afford to remain passive while Russia strikes energy infrastructure and kills people.

«Ми не можемо просто не відповідати після того, як Росія б’є по нашій енергетиці, вбиває людей. Якщо хочете, щоб ми не били по російській переробці, Росія не повинна бити по нашій енергетиці. Інша альтернатива — дайте Patriot на місяць, якщо хочете, щоб ми місяць не били по НПЗ» (We cannot simply not respond after Russia strikes our energy infrastructure and kills people. If you want us not to strike Russian processing facilities, Russia must not strike our energy infrastructure. The other alternative is — give us a Patriot for a month if you want us not to strike refineries for a month), the President of Ukraine stated.

Context of conversation with the American leader

These comments were made on air on the Fox News channel, which is known to have close ties with the US Republican Party. Previously, Donald Trump called on Ukraine to unilaterally stop strikes on Russian oil processing facilities.

It is worth noting that in parallel with these diplomatic initiatives, Ukrainian military personnel were restricted from accessing the Starlink satellite communication system.