ZELENSKYY SAYS UKRAINE CAN DISRUPT RUSSIAN DIESEL SHIPMENTS, OFFERS ENERGY TRUCE IN EXCHANGE FOR PROTECTION
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv has the ability to influence Russian diesel shipments and refinery operations, as tensions grow following U.S. President Donald Trump’s reported agreement with Moscow to increase diesel supplies to American and global markets.
Zelenskyy suggested that Washington should consider purchasing diesel from Ukraine instead, while offering to halt Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if the United States can guarantee the protection of Ukraine’s energy grid.
“Why doesn’t America then conclude a diesel deal with Ukraine?” Zelenskyy asked.
“We influence whether these ships move. We determine whether the refineries are working. Let’s do this. For us, what is important is electricity,” he said.
He added that Ukraine would stop retaliating against Russian diesel infrastructure if its own energy network received reliable protection.
“If they can guarantee the protection of our energy grid, we will not respond to their diesel infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said.
His remarks prompted concerns that Ukraine could potentially target Russian diesel shipments heading to the United States, although the statements do not establish that Kyiv intends to attack American-bound cargo directly.
Trump’s Russian diesel agreement
Trump previously announced an arrangement following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which Russia would supply more diesel to international markets.
According to the reported terms, the supplies would include:
– More than 300,000 metric tons immediately.
– Another 500,000 metric tons in November.
– A further 1 million metric tons afterward.
– Potentially 3 million additional metric tons, depending on refinery conditions.
The U.S. Treasury reportedly issued a general license authorizing the relevant trade through April 2027.
Trump has argued that increasing diesel supplies could help lower fuel costs for American farmers, ranchers and truckers.
Washington pressures Kyiv over refinery strikes
A U.S. official reportedly said Trump pursued the arrangement with Moscow after Ukraine declined six requests to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities have disrupted refinery operations and contributed to supply concerns. Russia had previously imposed restrictions on diesel exports, tightening global supplies amid wider disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, arguing that they hurt global markets and American consumers. He has also warned Zelenskyy to stop the strikes and suggested on October 10 that Ukraine needed a different leader capable of reaching a deal.
Trump later announced that an “energy ceasefire” was taking effect immediately.
Ukraine accuses Russia of continuing energy attacks
Zelenskyy said Ukraine refrained from attacking Russian energy facilities overnight, while Russian forces continued striking Ukrainian power and gas infrastructure, including facilities in the Kharkiv region.
Kyiv maintains that it is prepared to halt attacks on Russian refineries and related energy infrastructure if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s energy network and credible security guarantees are provided.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over the economic consequences of attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, as both sides seek to protect their energy supplies during the wider conflict.