Zelenskyy conditions halt of attacks on Russian refineries on US Patriot missile supply

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to halt drone strikes against Russian oil refineries, a request made by US President Donald Trump, provided that Washington supplies Kyiv with additional interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. This negotiation follows concerns from President Trump regarding rising inflation, which he attributes to soaring global energy prices resulting from ongoing conflicts involving the US, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine.

During an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy clarified that he has engaged in multiple discussions with the US administration regarding this request. He emphasized that Kyiv cannot unilaterally cease strikes while Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy sector and civilian population. Zelenskyy articulated two primary paths for de-escalation: either Russia must cease its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, or the US must provide the necessary defensive equipment to protect Ukraine. The Ukrainian government maintains that these military actions are a necessary retaliatory measure against sustained aggression.