Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Kyiv will retaliate if Russia fails to honour a proposed energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.
Zelensky issued the warning on Monday while addressing the Warsaw Security Forum via video link, as uncertainty continued over whether Moscow and Kyiv had formally agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
“If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire, we will respond,” he said.
Trump announced the proposed truce on Sunday, declaring that both countries had agreed to stop attacks on energy facilities. However, his announcement offered few details, leaving questions over how the arrangement would be implemented.
Ukraine said it was awaiting clarification from Washington on the terms of the proposed agreement and the specific measures the US was prepared to take to ensure compliance.
“We are waiting for the details of the conversation between the Americans and the Russians, and we are waiting to see what specific steps the Americans are ready to take,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine demands reciprocal action
The Ukrainian president said Kyiv was prepared to suspend its long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy exports if Moscow stopped targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“If Russia wants us to stop our long-range strikes against its oil refineries and oil exports, then Russia must stop its strikes against our energy system and critical infrastructure and stop killing our people,” he said.
The comments underline Ukraine’s insistence that any ceasefire must be reciprocal rather than a unilateral restriction on its military operations.
Ukraine has continued to report Russian attacks on its energy facilities, including strikes on infrastructure in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, despite Trump’s announcement.
There has been no immediate detailed response from the Kremlin confirming its position on the proposed arrangement.
Trump’s announcement raises questions
Trump’s declaration came amid mounting tensions over attacks on energy infrastructure and a separate US decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.
The sanctions move drew criticism from Kyiv and some European allies, who argued that easing restrictions could strengthen Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort.
Trump has previously announced proposed truces and other arrangements through social media before both sides publicly confirmed their positions.
Zelensky stressed that a ceasefire must translate into practical action on the ground rather than remain an announcement.
“An energy ceasefire and other steps to reduce escalation and guarantee security are truly needed here in reality, not just on Truth Social,” he said.
The proposed truce comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides carrying out attacks against strategic targets.
Whether the arrangement will lead to a sustained reduction in hostilities remains uncertain, particularly as Kyiv awaits further details and insists that Russia must demonstrate its willingness to comply.
