Zelensky Defends Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stood firm on his country’s actions targeting Russian oil facilities, even amid calls from various nations to proceed with caution due to rising energy prices.

“Our lives are more important than the price of energy,” Zelensky stated during an interview with The Wall Street Journal while at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian oil refineries have significantly impacted fuel production, with Zelensky claiming that Ukrainian forces have disrupted 45% of Russia’s refining capacities; however, this assertion hasn’t been independently verified.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Russia accounted for 11% of global diesel exports in 2025, a figure that has since fallen due to Ukrainian strikes. In response, Moscow has limited most of its diesel exports to safeguard its own supplies.

In light of these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested a mutual pause on attacks targeting energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has urged Zelensky to refrain from striking refineries, citing the ramifications on global energy markets, especially given the U.S.’s own prolonged conflict with Iran.

Zelensky maintained that the recent surge in energy prices primarily stems from the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than actions taken by Russia.

However, after his discussion with Trump during the UNGA, Zelensky expressed a conditional openness to halting energy attacks, as indicated in a post on X.

“President Trump, our teams, and I spoke about how to end the war. This is the priority. We are ready. I’m not sure Russia is ready as of today, but anyhow, we spoke about an energy ceasefire. We are ready for an energy ceasefire if they do not attack our energy system, our electricity, heating, and water supply. This is our proposal,” he noted. “We are thankful to the American side. They will share it with the Russians. I don’t know the Russian position.”

He expressed hope for Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he believes Xi might sway Putin’s decisions.

Zelensky also made additional requests to the Trump administration in anticipation of winter.

“We’re asking for two things from the American side. The first is a winter package of Patriot missiles. The second is licenses to produce Patriots,” he added. “We also need security guarantees for Ukraine.”

The MIM-104 Patriot system is an advanced air defense mechanism developed by the U.S., capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

Zelensky reiterated the importance of arranging a trilateral meeting involving himself, Trump, and Putin.

“I think the most important move President Trump can make – he can organize a trilateral meeting where the leaders can raise all the sensitive issues and try to end the war,” he concluded.