Zelensky says Ukraine proposed energy truce to Russia through U.S. intermediaries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had passed a proposal to Moscow through American intermediaries for both sides to halt strikes on each other’s energy infrastructure.

If Russia was prepared to stop attacking Ukraine’s energy grid, Ukraine would be ready to do the same, Zelensky said. The Russian side had already received the proposal through the Americans. He made the remarks in an address recorded on April 6.

He added that Ukraine’s armed forces were working to limit Russia’s ability to profit from the oil sector crisis caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Everything Russia earned from elevated oil prices would go toward the war, Zelensky said, making every step to limit Russian oil exports the right one.

He also said Ukraine had previously proposed a ceasefire to Russia for Easter, but that for Russia all times were the same and nothing was sacred.

In the winter of 2026, Russia temporarily halted strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump. The so-called “energy truce” lasted four days, from January 29 through February 1. Russian forces continued to strike civilian targets throughout that period.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil facilities. The port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region has been hit repeatedly. In Novorossiysk, the largest oil terminal in southern Russia was struck as well.

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