Zelenskyy Confirms Partner Requests to Reduce Strikes on Russian Oil Facilities Amid Energy Crisis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is receiving requests from partners to scale back strikes on the Russian oil sector due to the global energy crisis, RBC.ua reported on March 30.

Speaking with journalists, Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine’s intensified drone campaign against Russian refineries is a direct consequence of Moscow’s own actions.

He emphasized the retaliatory nature of these operations, stating, “We are not just striking; we are responding. Lately, following the global energy crisis, we have received signals from some of our partners about how to reduce our responses against the Russian oil and energy sector.”

The President underscored that Ukraine is not seeking an endless escalation but rather a functional security framework for critical infrastructure. He proposed a mutual de-escalation where both sides agree to stop targeting the other’s power and energy networks.

“We are ready to talk about any kind of ceasefire—a full ceasefire, an energy ceasefire, one covering food security and energy, meaning both the sea and the sky,” Zelenskyy explained. “This would mean no missiles or drones flying and no strikes on infrastructure,” RBC.ua wrote.

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This proposal comes as global energy markets face severe strain, partly due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Zelenskyy suggested that a reciprocal agreement would safeguard the energy security of both nations and reduce pressure on international markets.

He reiterated that Ukraine has repeatedly come forward with such initiatives and is waiting for a genuine response from the Kremlin.

“If the Russians are ready, please, we are ready,” the President concluded. “Let them propose it for any time—we are ready to resolve this issue.” For now, however, Ukraine maintains its right to respond to Russian aggression until a verifiable and mutual agreement is reached to protect civilian energy systems.

The pressure on the Russian oil sector has reached critical levels following an intensified Ukrainian drone campaign that has brought at least 40 percent of Russia’s total oil export capacity to a standstill.

These precision strikes against Baltic Sea export hubs, including Ust-Luga and Primorsk, form a core part of Ukraine’s strategy to inflict cascading logistical and financial damage on the Kremlin.

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