Ukraine Offers Reciprocal Halt to Energy Attacks, Says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Kyiv would reciprocally halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow ceases its attacks on Ukraine’s power sector.
Key Points
- Zelensky offers a mutual halt to energy sector attacks.
- Ukraine’s strikes are described as a defensive response.
- Kyiv had warned international partners about Russia’s planned energy attacks.
In an interview with CBS News on Sunday, Zelensky presented the conditional offer: “If Russia stops attacking our energy sector, we will also stop.”
A Defensive Necessity
The President framed Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities as a forced defensive measure. He stated Ukraine had “no other choice” but to respond in kind.
“We are in war. We are defending our energy sector, our people, our cities. And when they try to destroy us, we have to answer,” Zelensky said.
Warnings to Partners
Zelensky revealed that Ukraine had forewarned its international allies about Russia’s intentions to target its energy infrastructure.
“We warned our partners that Russia is preparing to destroy our energy sector. And they did it,” he stated.
The President reiterated that defending the population and critical infrastructure remains Ukraine’s paramount objective, justifying the reciprocal military response.
