Zelensky warns of retaliation if Russia rejects energy ceasefire
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday warned that Kyiv would retaliate if Moscow refused to agree to an energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump over the weekend.
“If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire, we will respond,” Zelensky told the Warsaw Security Forum via video link.
Trump announced the proposed ceasefire without providing details, prompting uncertainty in Kyiv. Moscow has not publicly confirmed the arrangement, while Ukraine's Western allies have expressed support for the initiative.
“We are waiting for the details of the conversation between the Americans and the Russians, and we are waiting to see what specific steps the Americans are ready to take,” Zelensky said.
Trump's announcement came two days after he declared a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel. The decision drew criticism from Kyiv and European allies, who warned that the move could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky said any halt to Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure must be matched by an end to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
“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,” he said.
Trump has previously announced proposed truces and other arrangements on his Truth Social platform before either Russia or Ukraine confirmed them.
“An energy ceasefire and other steps to reduce escalation and guarantee security are truly needed here in reality, not just on Truth Social,” Zelensky said.