Allies urge Ukraine not to target Russian oil – Reuters

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement in an interview with Reuters.

According to Zelenskyy, following the onset of a major global energy crisis, partners began sending signals to Kyiv regarding strikes against Russia’s energy sector.

“We have indeed received signals from some partners regarding reducing our strikes on the oil and energy sectors of the Russian Federation,” he said.

Ukraine has stated that it is ready for reciprocal steps: if Russia stops its attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, even an energy ceasefire is possible. A ceasefire for Easter is also being discussed.

The global energy crisis, caused by the war in the Middle East and attacks on energy infrastructure, has become a cause for concern among allies.

The conflict surrounding Iran has driven up prices for oil, gas, diesel and other petroleum products.

Any strikes on Russian oil ports and refineries further reduce market supply and drive up prices, which hits the economies of Ukraine’s allies.

In recent months, Ukrainian long-range drones have been regularly attacking oil depots, refineries, oil pipelines and Russian export ports. One of the key targets has been the port of Ust-Luga – one of Russia’s largest ports for the export of oil and petroleum products. The day before, Zelenskyy reported that Ust-Luga’s export capacity had fallen by 60% following Ukrainian strikes.

During his trip to the Middle East, Zelenskyy secured energy support for Ukraine, specifically the supply of diesel fuel, as it is critically important for the army, transport, the agricultural sector and generators.

Ukraine has signed cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and an agreement with the UAE is in the pipeline.

Zelenskyy also stated that due to the war in the Middle East, some of the air defence systems that Ukraine could have received are now being sent to other regions. According to him, partners are currently more focused on the Middle East, which is why missile defence and air defence systems are being sent there.