Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine will retaliate if Russia fails to agree to an energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.
Zelensky issued the warning on Monday while addressing the Warsaw Security Forum via video link.
“If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire, we will respond,” he said.
Trump announced the proposed ceasefire over the weekend without providing details, triggering confusion in Kyiv, while Moscow had yet to publicly respond to the announcement.
Zelensky said Ukraine was awaiting details of discussions between American and Russian officials, as well as clarification on the specific measures Washington intended to take.
He said Ukraine would consider halting its long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries and oil exports if Moscow stopped attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and other critical facilities.
“If Russia wants us to stop our long-range strikes against its oil refineries and oil exports, then Russia must stop its strikes against our energy system and critical infrastructure and stop killing our people,” Zelensky said.
Trump’s announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel, a move that drew criticism from Kyiv and some European allies, who warned it could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky also criticised the practice of announcing ceasefires before both sides had confirmed the arrangements.
“An energy ceasefire and other steps to reduce escalation and guarantee security are truly needed here in reality, not just on Truth Social,” he said.
