Ukraine Ready to Halt Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries if Attacks on Its Energy Grid Cease, Zelensky Says

Meeting Between Zelensky and Trump

According to ХВИЛЯ: Following a meeting with Donald Trump in New York, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine’s willingness to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, provided Russia ends its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Their discussion lasted about 40 minutes and covered key topics, including the licensing process for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles and exploring the possibility of a trilateral summit aimed at ending the war.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not unilaterally stop strikes on Russian oil refineries.

“We are not donors, especially to Putin. If you expect us not to respond to attacks on diesel production or oil refining facilities, we won’t. We are responsible. I don’t want to play games. He attacks us-we respond,” the Ukrainian president stated.

Trump did not request a halt to strikes on Russian energy targets, but the U.S. pledged to convey the proposal to both Ukraine and Russia.

Patriot Missile Production Talks

Another major subject was the Patriot missile system. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s need for production licenses, noting that Raytheon is ready to assist.

“We need licenses to produce Patriot missiles. Raytheon is prepared. We asked the president to help expedite this process. He is supportive of the licenses,” Zelensky said.

The manufacturing project could take between one and one and a half years.

The discussion also included a winter air defense package for Ukraine. While Zelensky did not receive a definitive answer on providing ballistic missile interceptors, he expressed hope the war could end before winter:

• “Both the United States and Ukraine want this senseless Russian war to conclude before winter.”
• “The most significant step Trump can take is to arrange a trilateral meeting where the three leaders can address sensitive issues directly.”

Zelensky also conveyed his openness to meeting with Vladimir Putin at any time. “Laugh, don’t laugh, hate each other, enemies-that’s all understood. Want to end the war? Sit down, talk,” he urged. The Ukrainian president suggested that Chinese leader Xi Jinping might influence Putin and encouraged Trump to motivate Xi to urge Russia’s president toward peace.

This encounter between Zelensky and Trump marks a crucial development in efforts to explore peace options for Ukraine, especially amid ongoing Russian strikes on the country’s energy facilities. The suggested trilateral summit could prove pivotal if all parties agree to engage in dialogue. Additionally, advancing the licensing for Patriot missile production highlights the vital role of international military support as Ukraine faces escalating aggression from Russia.