Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Kyiv will retaliate if Russia refuses to honour a proposed energy ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, insisting that any halt to Ukrainian attacks must be matched by an end to Russian strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
Zelensky delivered the warning on Monday while addressing the Warsaw Security Forum via video link, as uncertainty continued over the proposed arrangement between Moscow and Kyiv.
“If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire, we will respond,” Zelensky said.
Trump’s announcement over the weekend raised hopes of a possible reduction in attacks on energy facilities, but the proposal has been surrounded by confusion. The US president announced the arrangement without providing specific details, leaving Kyiv seeking clarification while Moscow remained publicly silent.
Zelensky Seeks Clarity From Washington
The Ukrainian president said his government was waiting for further information about discussions between American and Russian officials, as well as details of the practical steps Washington was prepared to take.
“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,” he said.
The uncertainty followed another controversial decision by Trump, who announced a temporary easing of US sanctions on Russian diesel two days before unveiling the proposed energy truce.
The move attracted criticism from Ukraine and several European allies, who argued that relaxing restrictions could strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position.
The latest developments have raised questions about whether the proposed ceasefire will lead to a reciprocal reduction in attacks or remain an announcement without a clearly defined implementation plan.
Ukraine Demands Reciprocal Halt to Energy Attacks
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would not agree to stop its long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure unless Moscow also halted attacks against Ukrainian energy facilities and other critical targets.
He specifically referred to Ukrainian operations targeting Russian oil refineries and oil exports, saying any agreement to suspend such attacks must come with corresponding Russian commitments.
“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.
His position makes reciprocity central to any potential agreement, with Kyiv insisting that the protection of its energy network and civilian population must be part of the arrangement.
Zelensky Warns Against Ceasefire Without Concrete Action
Trump has previously announced truces and other proposed arrangements through his Truth Social account before either Ukraine or Russia publicly confirmed them.
Against that background, Zelensky expressed concern about the lack of clear terms surrounding the latest announcement, arguing that an energy ceasefire must produce measurable changes on the ground.
“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 Ukrainian leader’s comments underline Kyiv’s demand for a clearly defined agreement, rather than a public announcement without confirmed commitments from both sides.
For now, Ukraine is awaiting further details from Washington and Moscow, while Zelensky has warned that Kyiv will respond if Russia rejects the proposed energy truce.
