Zelensky proposed that the US halt strikes on Russian oil refineries in exchange for an energy ceasefire — and was refused

Vladimir Zelensky, at a press conference in Brussels, revealed details of negotiations with the American side: he had proposed to Washington that Ukraine stop striking Russian oil refineries in exchange for a full or partial energy ceasefire, but the Americans responded that Moscow did not want this.

Following the refusal, Zelensky turned to the US with a request to provide interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems — to protect Ukrainian energy facilities during any period in which strikes on refineries were halted. This request was also denied. The Ukrainian president added that the matter is not closed: talks with the Americans are continuing, and the two sides are expected to agree on a meeting in the coming days.

Zelensky confirmed a critical shortage of Patriot missiles in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, noting that Ukraine is not a priority recipient of American interceptor deliveries. At the same time, he said, Europe has sufficient stocks of its own for Ukraine to get through the winter under protection from ballistic missiles. Kyiv is asking to receive one interceptor per incoming missile rather than two, as is standard practice for air defense systems. The Europeans have given certain promises regarding deliveries, though Zelensky did not specify the details.

The president also touched separately on the subject of sanctions against Russia, allowing that the US would continue to lift them.

“I don’t want to speak in terms of intuition — there is also intelligence. We cannot accept the diesel agreement, because if we turn a blind eye to it, gas agreements will follow — I am absolutely certain of that. Then sanctions will be lifted on something else: the banking system, specific individuals, the chemical industry, frozen assets,” Zelensky said.

When asked by an American journalist whether he agreed with the assertion that US President Donald Trump was making him a scapegoat due to rating problems ahead of the congressional elections, Zelensky smiled slyly and said: “That is my answer.”

Zelensky also said that restrictions on Starlink connectivity for the Ukrainian Armed Forces have not yet been fully lifted: internet access speeds from SpaceX are being restored gradually.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reports that last week Zelensky discussed with American senators an agreement under which Ukraine would halt strikes on Russian oil refineries for 100 days in exchange for access to Starlink communications 300 kilometers deep into Russia. The reaction of American authorities to this proposal is not yet known.

Trump continues to harshly criticize Zelensky, stating that the war will not end with him in place. Western media report that Zelensky traveled to Brussels to draw attention to Ukraine’s problems, which are being pushed to the background in the EU amid the bloc’s internal economic difficulties.