On 12 October, during a speech at the Warsaw Security Forum (Warsaw Security Forum), commented on Donald Trump’s agreement with Russia regarding the supply of diesel fuel and urged Washington to take Kyiv’s position into account. The Ukrainian leader emphasised that it is Ukraine that is capable of influencing the operations of Russian oil refineries. He also warned of a possible grain crisis over the next two to three months and confirmed his readiness to discuss the presidential elections, provided there is a complete ceasefire.
Briefly about the main points
- Zelenskyy described a mutual cessation of attacks as Kyiv’s condition.
- On 11 October, Trump announced an «energy truce» without revealing its terms.
- Following Trump’s statement, an energy facility on the outskirts of Kharkiv was attacked.
Zelenskyy has proposed that the US negotiate with Ukraine over diesel
During a speech at the Warsaw Security Forum Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented agreement between Donald Trump і Vladimir Putin regarding an increase in supplies of Russian diesel fuel.
The President of Ukraine asked why the US was discussing diesel supplies with Moscow but was not taking Kyiv’s role in the situation regarding the Russian oil refining industry into account.
«Why isn’t the US signing an agreement with Ukraine on the supply of diesel fuel? After all, it is we who decide whether Russian refineries will operate», said Zelenskyy, according to a widely circulated translation of his speech.
This refers to Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries, which are used to support the Russian economy and fuel market.
Trump had previously made repeated demands of Ukraine cease the attacks on Russian oil refineries, explaining that their position was dictated by the need to curb the rise in global diesel prices.
Zelenskyy, for his part, criticised Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian petroleum products, as the additional revenue could be used by Moscow to fund the war.
The President has warned of a possible grain crisis in 2–3 months’ time
During his speech, Zelenskyy paid particular attention to the threats to global food security. According to him, the international debate is currently focused mainly on the shortage of diesel fuel and energy prices. At the same time, the situation regarding grain supplies also requires attention.
The President warned of the risk of a grain crisis over the next two to three months.
Ukraine remains one of the key players in the global grain market. Russian attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure and threats to shipping are creating further difficulties for the export of agricultural produce.
Problems with maritime logistics are affecting transport costs, exporters’ capabilities and the stability of food supplies.
At the same time, the timeframe mentioned by Zelenskyy is a warning about how the situation might develop, rather than a confirmed prediction of an inevitable global food crisis.
Ukraine is calling for a mutual energy truce
The Ukrainian president’s statements came after Donald Trump announced on 11 October that an agreement had allegedly been reached energy truce between Ukraine and Russia.
The US leader stated that both sides had agreed to halt the attacks, but did not disclose the detailed terms of the agreement. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to honour the ceasefire, provided that Russia also ceases its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
During the Warsaw Security Forum, the President pointed out that, following Trump’s announcement, Russia had carried out a strike on an energy facility in Kharkiv.
The Ukrainian side insists that the cessation of attacks must extend not only to oil refineries, but also to power stations, electricity grids and other critical infrastructure.
Zelenskyy is prepared to discuss the elections once a ceasefire is in place
During discussions on a political settlement to the war, the President of Ukraine also confirmed his willingness to raise the issue of holding elections, provided there is a complete cessation of hostilities.
The day before, on 11 October, in an interview with the American television channel ABC News, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is capable of organising presidential elections if Russia agrees to A 60-day complete ceasefire.
The Head of State emphasised that the decision on the election of the President rests solely with the Ukrainian people. At the same time, under martial law, Ukrainian legislation prohibits the holding of presidential elections.
In order to organise the vote, it is necessary to ensure the safety of citizens, enable military personnel to take part, and resolve legislative and organisational issues.
