Ukraine has expressed its readiness to suspend strikes on Russian oil refining and oil export facilities if Russia halts its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address on April 6.
This is reported by Finway
The impact of sanctions and Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s energy sector
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” continue to effectively impact Russia’s revenues, particularly its oil profits. According to him, such restrictions deprive Russia of the ability to prolong the war, as significant financial losses force the Kremlin to seek a way out of the conflict. The President noted that the oil market is currently in crisis due to the situation surrounding Iran, which allows oil-producing countries, including Russia, to gain additional profits. At the same time, Ukrainian drone and missile attacks are curbing these excessive profits for Russia.
Zelensky thanked the military for the precision of their strikes, as well as international partners for their support in the form of sanctions, stopping tankers, and restrictions on the supply of modern equipment to Russia.
Proposal for an energy truce
“Everything the Russians can earn from shock oil prices, they will allocate to the war. This priority has not changed for them yet. Therefore, every limitation we impose on their ability to export oil is justified. If Russia is ready to stop its strikes on our energy sector, we will be prepared to respond in kind. And such a proposal through the Americans exists for the Russian side.”
According to reports, at the end of March, attacks by Ukrainian drones, the seizure of tankers, and the suspension of the Druzhba pipeline led to a temporary shutdown of at least 40% of Russia’s export capacity in the oil sector.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia, various facilities on its territory have systematically been subjected to airstrikes. In 2024 and 2025, the main targets became oil refineries and facilities in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has repeatedly confirmed that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are carrying out targeted actions to reduce the combat potential of Russian troops and compel Russia to cease its armed aggression.