Ukraine proposes 3 options to US to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine was ready to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, as demanded by US President Donald Trump’s team, but only if one of three scenarios was implemented, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state emphasized that Ukrainian Armed Forces' attacks on Russian oil refineries could not affect global prices. Against this backdrop, he reminded that Russia's share in global diesel exports is only 2%. The remaining 98% is accounted for by other exporters.
Zelenskyy explained by asking how an energy ceasefire with Russia could be achieved. He said that Ukraine might be hated but should at least be respected as an enemy, adding that Russia had to respect Ukraine and its strength. He noted that Putin was causing Ukraine great pain and that Ukraine was responding, describing it as a matter of justice.
He also noted that there were realistic solutions to this situation, which were proposed to the American side.
However, none of these scenarios was implemented. That is precisely why Ukraine continues to strike Russian oil refineries.
Zelenskyy explained that he had proposed that if the Russians wanted Ukraine to stop striking diesel and oil refineries, they should stop targeting Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, describing this as fair and calling it an energy ceasefire. He outlined a second option, suggesting that if Starlink coverage were enabled over Russia, Ukraine could provide the locations of ballistic missile launchers it wanted to destroy. As a third option, he said that if Starlink coverage was not enabled for Ukraine, despite this being entirely within the other side’s control, and they maintained that Musk was unwilling to allow it, they should instead provide missiles for Patriot systems, which did not depend on either Musk or Putin.
However, as the president noted, as of today, Ukraine has received nothing. Moreover, the situation has even worsened: the US suspended certain sanctions against Russia, and Starlink speed was reduced.
Zelenskyy summarized that their reaction was appropriate, as they were fighting for their lives.
Incidentally, Zelenskyy previously stated that he wants to maintain an army of 800,000 troops.
Furthermore, the head of state named the signals that would confirm Putin's intention to end the war.
