Kyiv is ready to stop strikes in exchange for air defense systems or a reciprocal cease-fire
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated readiness to suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries on condition that Moscow takes a reciprocal step regarding Ukrainian energy infrastructure. An alternative option is the supply of American Patriot air defense systems, for which the Ukrainian side is ready to pay on its own. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Олена Чупровська) citing Fox News, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The Head of State held several different discussions on this issue with President of the United States of America Donald Trump and his aides. Washington asked Kyiv to halt such attacks on Russian facilities.
In response, the Ukrainian side emphasized the impossibility of failing to retaliate against ongoing hostile strikes. Russia systematically causes destruction to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, power generation, gas sector, and kills people.
Consequences of resuming refinery strikes
Ukraine refrained from striking Russian oil refineries for two weeks at the request of the American administration. However, the Russian Federation did not stop attacks on civilian infrastructure, after which the Armed Forces of Ukraine resumed operations.
Over three days, Ukrainian forces hit three oil refining enterprises and disabled approximately 10 percent of Russia’s oil refining capacity. Specifically, these include the Kstovo, Novokuibyshevsk, and Bashneft-Novoyl refineries, whose combined annual capacity is about 33 million tons of oil.
Demands regarding Patriot systems supplies
The President noted that Ukraine will find funds to purchase air defense systems and is ready to pay for them. At the same time, the suspension of attacks will last precisely for the period that the state is provided with the required missiles.
If Western partners want a month-long pause in attacks on Russian oil refineries, they must supply Patriot missiles for one month. In October, the Samara oil hub had already been subjected to strikes that damaged storage tanks.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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