Zelenskyy backs Trump's energy ceasefire, calls for 'more pressure' on Russia: news

Zelenskyy Backs Trump’s Energy Ceasefire Proposal, Urges Stronger Global Pressure on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed statements regarding a proposed bilateral “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia, confirming that Kyiv is prepared to halt strikes against Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow reciprocates with concrete, enforceable guarantees. Concurrently, the Ukrainian leadership stressed that diplomatic gestures are insufficient without intensified economic and military pressure on the Kremlin to ensure compliance.

Core Context of the Proposed Truce

The proposal follows public statements by U.S. political figures, including Donald Trump, advocating for an immediate cessation of strikes against power grids, oil refineries, and fuel depots on both sides of the conflict.

• Kyiv’s Stance: Ukraine maintains that it will honor any bilateral moratorium on targeting energy assets, provided it is mutual, monitored, and verifiable. Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian strikes against Russian refineries have served as asymmetrical deterrence against continuous Russian assaults on Ukraine’s domestic electrical grid.

• Implementation Challenges: Despite initial diplomatic discussions, Russian missile and drone attacks have continued to target Ukrainian thermal and electrical generation plants. Ukrainian officials reported continued disruptions, noting that any truce declared in theory must be reflected in reality on the ground.

  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Demand for Real Guarantees and Increased Sanctions

Zelenskyy underscored that a selective truce cannot serve as a mechanism to alleviate pressure on Moscow while Russian ground offensives and standard military strikes persist.

1. Enforcement Mechanisms: A ceasefire strictly limited to energy facilities requires third-party verification to prevent unilateral violations.

2. Economic Measures: Ukraine continues to urge international allies to tighten sanctions on Russian crude and refined fuel exports, warning that partial agreements should not facilitate revenue streams that finance ongoing military operations.

3. Air Defense Support: Ukrainian officials reiterated that sustained air defense procurement remains Ukraine’s primary safeguard against ongoing grid disruptions until a comprehensive peace framework is established.