Zelenski offers Putin energy truce, ready to hold elections after 60-day ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski has proposed a mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. "Ukraine will be ready to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries if Russia ceases its attacks on our energy infrastructure," Zelenski said on social media platform X. He added: "The true cause of the war in Europe is Russia, and only Russia. Today it is already possible to stop attacks on our energy sector, but Putin does not want to do it." Zelenski said any step toward de-escalation must be reciprocal and backed by real guarantees. In an interview Sunday with US network ABC, Zelenski said he has told US President Donald Trump and his team repeatedly that Ukraine wants peace and is ready for a ceasefire. "If the Russians want us not to attack their diesel, their refineries, we ask President Trump to give them the signal not to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure," he said. Zelenski also said Ukraine "will organize elections" if Russia respects a 60-day ceasefire. "Do not attack us. Do not kill our children. We will stop attacking your diesel. I think it is a fair deal," he said. The remarks follow a deal reached Saturday between Trump and Putin to supply Russian diesel to global markets and lower prices ahead of elections. Zelenski called the agreement "unfair" and "unworthy of an ally," because it allows Russia to export millions of tons of diesel despite US sanctions on its energy sector imposed since the war began in 2022. Trump hit back at Zelenski's criticism. "It is time for Ukraine to have a new president," he said, adding that Zelenski has refused to reach deals to end the war. "I suggest they find a new leader capable of making a deal, because he could have closed many deals and, for some reason, never does," Trump said.