Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday, September 14, 2026, that Kyiv is ready to halt strikes on Russian territory if international partners can obtain a credible Russian pledge to stop attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
His remarks followed a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Russia and Ukraine had agreed “not to hit” each other’s energy infrastructure. Trump did not provide details of the purported arrangement, and Russia did not immediately comment on the claim.
The prospect of even a limited pause remains uncertain. Previous attempts to broker partial ceasefires have repeatedly collapsed within hours, with both sides accusing the other of violations.
Trump’s statement came a day after he urged Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure used to produce and distribute diesel. The U.S. president said those attacks were contributing to a global shortage and argued that the rise in diesel prices was caused mostly by the Russia-Ukraine war rather than the war involving Iran.
Energy markets have been under pressure from several directions. The slowdown of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz has restricted shipments, while damaged refining systems in Russia have added further strain. Diesel prices have surged in the United States, and high fuel costs linked to the Iran war have become a major issue for Trump’s party ahead of congressional elections.
Zelenskyy framed a possible halt to strikes on critical infrastructure as a first step toward broader de-escalation. He said Ukraine had proposed that partners help secure an agreement with Russia for a ceasefire, an idea Kyiv has raised before.
“Every day, Ukrainian energy facilities, port infrastructure, logistics, even food and pharmaceutical warehouses become targets,” Zelenskyy said. “The war must be ended. And a de-escalation step regarding critical infrastructure could be a first step toward peace.”
The Ukrainian leader said he expects “concrete proposals” from partners. His comments indicated that Kyiv is seeking assurances before committing to any pause, especially given the record of failed limited ceasefire efforts.
After Trump called on Kyiv to stop the strikes on Sunday, September 13, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said any call for Ukraine to halt attacks on civilian economic infrastructure “can only be welcomed.” Moscow, however, had not immediately addressed Trump’s claim that a mutual agreement had already been reached.