President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Statement
On September 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is prepared to take steps toward de-escalation provided that Russia stops targeting the country’s energy systems, critical infrastructure, and food exports. This message came in response to a post by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who noted that Russia has lost control over its diesel industry amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Addressing the issue via the social media platform X, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s consistent pursuit of peace from the very beginning of the conflict. He highlighted numerous diplomatic proposals Ukraine has made to bring an honorable end to the war, ensure security, and prevent further Russian aggression. Zelensky also mentioned ongoing dialogue with Trump and the United States.
“From the outset, Ukraine sought peace. We have already presented dozens of diplomatic initiatives aimed at responsibly ending this war, guaranteeing security, and avoiding new invasions by Russia. Dialogue continues with President Trump and the American people,” Zelensky stated.
Exploring Potential De-escalation Measures
Plans to discuss possible de-escalation steps are underway on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Zelensky stressed that any meaningful de-escalation must include halting attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, critical facilities, and food exports.
“There are ideas on the table to bring peace closer, starting with decisive de-escalation measures. Ukraine’s energy sector, vital infrastructure, and food exports must no longer be targets for Russia, which would pave the way for reciprocal steps from our side,” the president emphasized.
In his post, Donald Trump also pointed out that a significant number of Russia’s diesel refineries have been at least temporarily disabled. He claimed that the war with Ukraine has caused Russia to lose control over this sector, and he has repeatedly urged Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. Trump additionally mentioned an alleged agreement between Ukraine and Russia not to target the energy sector.
Concluding his statement, Zelensky expressed gratitude to all those supporting Ukraine, noting that "the nature of this war means that the aggressor will also suffer." He expressed confidence that strong leadership from involved countries can and must bring about de-escalation, security, and ultimately, peace.
This declaration underscores Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace amid the protracted conflict with Russia. As the UN General Assembly convenes to consider pathways for reducing tensions, it is crucial that the international community stands behind Ukraine’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security. Engagement with the United States—including dialogue with Donald Trump—could prove pivotal in shaping new approaches to conflict resolution.
As Ukraine navigates its diplomatic efforts for peace, the ongoing discussions at the United Nations General Assembly may pave the way for a more structured approach to resolving the conflict. With various strategies being considered, the U.S. is also looking into potential peace talks this winter to address the situation more comprehensively.