Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that allies have urged Ukraine to scale back its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure amidst an ongoing global fuel crisis. He emphasized that any cessation of Ukraine's strikes would depend on Russia’s willingness to stop targeting Ukraine's energy systems first.
Delivering this message through a WhatsApp voice note, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's retaliatory strikes on Russia's energy system are a direct response to Russian aggression.
While he did not specify which allies he was referencing, it's known that countries like China and India heavily rely on Russian oil, and the EU is dependent on Russian gas.
Zelensky’s remarks follow a series of long-range Ukrainian strikes on key Russian energy targets, including the oil export terminal located at Ust-Luga, close to St. Petersburg.
We have received messages from some of our partners inquiring about how we can reduce our responses to Russia's oil sector and energy sector, said Zelensky. If Russia is prepared to stop striking Ukraine's energy, then we will refrain from attacking theirs.
The request for reductions comes at a time when energy prices are surging due to the conflict in Iran and challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, leading the U.S. to ease some previously imposed sanctions on Russian oil.
China and India were noted as the largest consumers of Russian crude oil, accounting for 85% of its exports as of February, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), whereas the EU comprises the largest market for Russian gas and LNG.
Following relentless attacks that have decimated Ukraine's oil refineries, Ukraine is now heavily dependent on fuel imports from Poland, Greece, Lithuania, and Turkey. A notable change in trade flows occurred when Hungary suspended a significant portion of gas exports to Ukraine amid political tension.
In recent deep strikes, Zelensky reported that Ukraine's attacks on the Ust-Luga oil terminal compromised 60% of its capacity. He also sought additional fuel support during his visit to Gulf nations targeted by Iranian aerial attacks.
While global oil prices bolster Russia's wartime economy, they simultaneously threaten Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense efforts. Zelensky confirmed that the Ukrainian army currently has sufficient fuel reserves but is actively seeking to ensure future supplies.
Finally, Zelensky underscored that Russia's operations had severely damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving over a million people without essential electricity and heating during winter.
