RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine will respond if Russia refuses to observe a proposed ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure.
Speaking via video link at the Warsaw Security Forum, Zelensky said Kyiv was awaiting clarification from Washington on the terms of the proposed arrangement announced by United States President Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that any agreement must be reciprocal, with both Russia and Ukraine committing to suspend attacks on each other’s energy facilities.
Zelensky said Ukraine needed information about discussions between American and Russian officials, including the measures Washington intended to introduce to ensure compliance.
He warned that Ukraine would not unilaterally suspend its operations against Russian energy infrastructure while its own power facilities remained vulnerable to attacks.
According to Zelensky, Russia must stop targeting Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure and other critical facilities if it expects Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries and export installations.
The Ukrainian president also criticised the practice of announcing ceasefire proposals publicly before the parties involved had agreed on their terms.
He maintained that meaningful de-escalation required practical commitments, clearly defined obligations and credible implementation measures rather than political declarations alone.
The proposed arrangement followed Trump’s announcement of a possible pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, although the specific conditions and enforcement mechanisms were not immediately made public.
The announcement also came amid criticism of a reported temporary easing of American sanctions on Russian diesel, which Ukrainian officials and some European allies feared could provide economic relief to Moscow.
Ukraine has repeatedly argued that restrictions on Russia’s energy revenues are an important part of international pressure aimed at ending the war.
The proposed energy ceasefire would represent a limited de-escalation measure rather than a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.
However, questions remain over whether Moscow will accept the arrangement, how compliance would be monitored and what action would follow any violations.
Kyiv has maintained that any suspension of attacks must protect Ukraine’s energy system while imposing equivalent obligations on Russia.
At the time of the reported remarks, no mutually accepted ceasefire terms had been announced.
