New York: Fresh diplomatic efforts to reduce attacks on critical infrastructure have emerged as winter approaches, with Ukraine seeking reciprocal measures from Moscow to protect energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the Ukraine remains ready for an ‘energy ceasefire’ with Russia, provided Moscow also stops strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy made the remarks after meeting US President Donald Trump and holding separate discussions with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His meeting with Trump lasted around 40 minutes and focused on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and possible steps towards de-escalation.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy described the discussions with Trump as ‘positive and productive’. Zelenskyy remarked that the both Washington and Kyiv wanted to see the war move towards an end before winter and had discussed potential measures that could create a path towards diplomacy.
Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would be prepared to stop targeting Russian energy facilities if Russia halted attacks on Ukrainian electricity, heating and water infrastructure.
Zelenskyy also clarified that he had not agreed to any unilateral suspension of Ukrainian strikes against Russia’s oil industry.
Zelenskyy warns of possible new Russian attack
The proposed energy truce comes with continued attacks by both Russia and Ukraine against energy-related targets. Zelenskyy also warned that Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations for what he described as a ‘new massive attack’ by Russia. Zelenskyy made the warning after meeting Burnham, saying there was no basis for discussing sanctions relief while Ukraine remained under the threat of missile and drone attacks.
Burnham and Zelenskyy discussed the difficult winter ahead and the proposal for an energy ceasefire. Both leaders also stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions and called for meaningful negotiations to end the war.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian power, fuel and other critical infrastructure, while Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian oil facilities. The renewed attacks have raised concerns about the impact on energy supplies as temperatures fall across Ukraine.
Trump raises concerns over refinery strikes
Trump has recently criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing their potential impact on fuel supplies and diesel prices. Before he meets with Zelenskyy, Trump pointed that the two leaders would discuss Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries as well as possible ways to end the war.
The US president had previously said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacks on each other’s energy facilities. However, the understanding did not hold as strikes resumed soon afterwards. Moscow had backed an earlier US proposal for an energy moratorium while also seeking measures related to Russian energy exports and sanctions.
Ukraine seeks additional Patriot missiles
Zelenskyy also emphasised that he discussed Ukraine’s winter air-defence requirements with Trump and requested additional Patriot missile systems. Kyiv is seeking stronger air-defence capabilities ahead of winter, when Ukrainian authorities expect Russia could again target power and heating infrastructure.
Ukraine is also continuing discussions on the possibility of licensed domestic production of Patriot systems. The latest diplomatic efforts come as Kyiv and Moscow continue to exchange long-range strikes, with energy infrastructure remaining a key target. The proposed energy ceasefire would focus specifically on attacks against energy facilities rather than representing a wider halt to hostilities.
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