President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the US should provide Ukraine with anti-missile systems to protect its energy infrastructure if Russia continues its attacks and Kyiv is not allowed to retaliate against Russian oil refineries. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he also reaffirmed his support for a mutual energy ceasefire.
Briefly about the main points
- Kyiv supports a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure.
- Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must not be deprived of the right to respond to Russian attacks.
- In view of the restrictions on Ukraine’s response, the President is asking the US to step up its defence.
- Zelenskyy described transparency as the cornerstone of the partnership with the United States.
- Trump had publicly criticised the Ukrainian president the day before.
Kyiv supports a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure
Ukraine is calling for a mutual energy ceasefire, he said Zelensky. This refers to a mutual agreement not to launch strikes against energy infrastructure, rather than unilateral restrictions on Kyiv.
The President stated that Russia is carrying out strikes on Ukrainian gas, electricity and oil facilities. In his view, any agreement to cease such attacks must be mutual.
Zelenskyy did not question Ukraine’s readiness for such a format. At the same time, he linked its effectiveness to whether Russia would cease its attacks on Ukrainian targets.
In the event of restrictions on Kyiv, Zelenskyy is asking the US for protection
The President stated that if Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, whilst Ukraine is prevented from retaliating against Russian oil refineries, this would be unfair and unjust.
In such circumstances, he said, the United States should supply anti-missile systems. This, in the President’s view, would enable Ukraine to protect its energy infrastructure if Washington is unable to stop Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy put forward a proposal to the US as an alternative: either to secure a halt to Russian attacks, or to help Ukraine defend itself against them.
The statement came after Trump publicly criticised Zelenskyy
Speaking about relations with the US, Zelenskyy thanked the American side for their support. He described honesty, fairness, transparency and the absence of disinformation as the foundation of the bilateral partnership.
The President also stated that Ukraine and the United States have much more in common than Americans and Russians. According to him, he aims to maintain an open dialogue with the US President.
On the eve of Donald Trump He sharply criticised Zelenskyy in a conversation with journalists. He claimed that the Ukrainian president did not want to end the war, accused Ukraine of being ungrateful for American aid, and called for the negotiating powers to be handed over to someone else.
