Zelensky: 2 Ways to Halt Strikes on Russia

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine could stop striking Russian oil refineries if Moscow halted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure or the US supplied Kyiv with Patriot air defense missiles, including on a short-term basis.In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky said he had discussed attacks on refineries with US President Donald Trump and his team, arguing that Ukraine could not refrain from responding while Russia continued targeting its energy facilities and killing civilians.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“We said that if you want us not to attack Russia’s refineries, they must not attack our energy system,” Zelensky said.He also proposed an alternative: Washington could provide Ukraine with a package of Patriot missiles for one month, with Kyiv willing to pay for the weapons rather than receive them as military aid.“Give us this package. We need the package, and you can give us for one month, not for three months,” Zelensky said. “For one month, if you need us not to attack their refineries one month, give me Patriots for one month.”His remarks came after the Fox News host asked whether Trump had told him not to target Russian refineries, following a reported Ukrainian strike on a facility in Russia’s Samara region.Asked whether he was concerned Trump might view the proposal as an attempt to pressure the US, Zelensky said he had no reservations about being candid with Washington. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Says Hits on Rostov Plant, S-400 Post, Pantsir Cost Russia $70M President Volodymyr Zelensky said strikes in Rostov have hit the Kamensky missile plant, an S-400 post, and a Pantsir-S2, inflicting $70M in air defense losses. “I don’t have any concerns when I share the truth between partners. And our countries are huge partners,” he said.He added that American society strongly supported Ukraine and that he needed to explain the situation directly to Trump, saying the US “can’t help Russia” or “help Putin.”Zelensky thanks Melania Trump for humanitarian effortsThe interview also touched on the possibility of extending humanitarian initiatives involving US First Lady Melania Trump to other parts of the front line.Melania Trump helped facilitate a temporary local ceasefire in the Kherson region that enabled a humanitarian mission to Russian-occupied Oleshky and the evacuation of residents.Asked whether similar arrangements could be pursued elsewhere, Zelensky said it was difficult to predict how many such initiatives might be possible but stressed that the effort was valuable.“If First Lady can do it, can continue, it’s very helpful,” he said. “I’m very thankful to her.” Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.