Zelenskiy Offers to Stop Refinery Strikes if Russia Halts Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Sunday that Kyiv is ready to stop hitting Russian oil refineries if Moscow ends its own attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. His remarks follow Donald Trump’s demand a day earlier that Ukraine stop unilaterally, in which the US president blamed the strikes for higher American diesel prices. Zelenskiy repeated that Ukraine will only pause refinery attacks as part of mutual de-escalation, and said any deal needs real guarantees. He added that energy strikes could end today, but Putin does not want that.

Trump Criticism and Diesel Price Pressure

Trump said Zelenskiy “better damn well stop” and suggested Ukraine find a new leader. Diesel prices have jumped since the Iran war began in February, creating a political problem for Republicans ahead of next month’s midterms. Analysts doubt Trump’s diesel deal with Moscow will bring lasting relief, since volumes are far below what Russia exports when its refineries are not under attack. Republican Rep. Don Bacon argued for more sanctions instead.

Kyiv Residents React to Trump’s Leadership Remarks

Residents in Kyiv expressed anger. Teacher Sabina noted that Ukraine cannot hold elections under martial law and called the comments a betrayal by partners.

Zelenskiy plans more talks with European leaders and says daily discussions continue on new air defence packages, including ammunition for aircraft that shoot down jet-powered drones. On Monday, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joins an EU meeting on tougher Russia sanctions and Ukraine’s accession talks.