Ukraine has declared its readiness to cease strikes on the oil refining and oil export infrastructure of the Russian Federation, provided that Russia stops its attacks on Ukrainian energy. This position was articulated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian Sanctions and Strikes on Russian Oil Refining
The President emphasized that Ukrainian sanctions and targeted strikes keep Russian oil and gas revenues under control, significantly affecting Russia’s financial resources for continuing the war. In his opinion, only substantial economic losses compel Russia to seek ways to exit the war. In the current conditions, when global markets are experiencing a crisis due to the situation in Iran, oil-exporting countries, including Russia, are receiving additional profits, but it is the actions of Ukrainian forces that limit these opportunities for Russia.
Zelensky thanked the military for their effectiveness, as well as international partners for their consistent pressure on the Russian economy through sanctions, detaining tankers, and restricting the supply of modern equipment to Russia.
“Our long-range sanctions continue to work very effectively and significantly reduce Russian revenues. Primarily, these are oil revenues, which is absolutely fair; the main thing is that it limits Russia’s ability to prolong this war. Only significant financial losses force Russia to consider a scenario for exiting the war. Currently, the oil market and global markets, in general, are in a state of crisis due to the unresolved situation around Iran; oil countries now, with Russia among them, can earn more. Our drones, our missiles restrict Russia in this regard,” the head of state noted.
Conditions for Energy Truce and Consequences of Attacks
The President of Ukraine stressed that any superprofits that Russia may gain amid high oil prices are directed towards continuing the war. Therefore, any reduction in Russian export capabilities is a justified and necessary step. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is ready for a reciprocal response if Russia halts its attacks on Ukrainian energy, and this proposal has already been communicated to the Russian side through American intermediaries.
In March 2026, it became known that as a result of attacks by Ukrainian drones, the seizure of tankers, and the cessation of operations of the Druzhba pipeline, no less than 40% of Russia’s export capacities have suffered losses. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian oil refineries and energy facilities in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine have remained regular targets of airstrikes.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has repeatedly confirmed that the Ukrainian Defense Forces systematically carry out measures to reduce the combat potential of Russian occupation troops and compel Russia to cease its aggression.