Zelenskyy signals willingness for mutual energy ceasefire with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said Kyiv is prepared to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow agrees to stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had conveyed the offer to Russia, noting that the initiative had been raised by the Russian side through US intermediaries.

“If Russia is ready to stop attacks on our energy system, we will be ready to respond in kind,” he said.

Despite the proposal, Zelenskyy expressed scepticism about Moscow’s intentions, arguing that Russia would be unlikely to pursue peace while it retains the financial capacity to sustain the war. He stressed the importance of continued international pressure on the Kremlin.

The President said sanctions imposed on Russia have been effective in reducing state revenues, particularly from oil exports. He described the measures as both justified and necessary to limit Russia’s ability to prolong the conflict.

“Only significant financial losses will force Russia to consider a scenario of ending the war,” Zelenskyy said.

He also pointed to turbulence in global oil markets linked to tensions surrounding Iran, noting that higher production capacity among oil-producing nations, including Russia, could offset some of the economic pressure.

Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian drone and missile strikes are actively constraining Russia’s ability to expand energy production.