Zelensky offers energy truce in exchange for halting strikes on Russian refineries

September 23, 2026 at 08:03 PM2 min

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on September 22 that Kyiv is ready to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries only if Moscow agrees to a full energy ceasefire. He made the remarks to journalists after meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Zelensky added that Ukrainian forces have already destroyed 45% of Russian refinery production capacity.

Key Facts

Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to stop attacks on Russian refineries only if Russia agrees to a full energy ceasefire.
Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces have destroyed 45% of Russian refinery production capacity.
During the September 22 meeting in New York, Trump did not ask Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian refineries.
Zelensky said he hopes Trump will try to negotiate an energy ceasefire, and if not, take strong steps to push Putin.

Ceasefire Conditions

Zelensky told journalists on September 22 that Ukraine is ready to stop attacking Russian refineries only if Russia agrees to a full energy ceasefire. He said Ukraine will not attack any energy facilities if Russia stops striking Ukrainian energy, heating, and water systems. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready for any format of energy ceasefire.

Trump Meeting

Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump on September 22 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Zelensky said Trump did not ask him to stop strikes on Russian refineries during their meeting. He added that American partners had raised the topic before Trump's presidency, but not this time. Zelensky said he hopes Trump will try to negotiate an energy ceasefire, and if not, take strong steps to push Putin.

Refinery Damage

Zelensky said Ukrainian forces have destroyed 45% of Russian refinery production capacity. He noted that Trump had previously discussed high diesel prices in phone calls, but Zelensky replied that Ukrainian lives matter more than energy prices. Zelensky argued that global diesel prices are more affected by the situation around the Strait of Hormuz than by Russian supply disruptions.