Zelensky Offers to Halt Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries in Exchange for US Patriot Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries for one month if the United States supplies Kyiv with powerful Patriot air-defence missile systems.

The proposal addresses a key demand from US President Donald Trump, who has called on Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure amid rising global energy prices.

Speaking to Fox News anchor Trey Yingst on Sunday, Zelensky said he had held several discussions with Trump and his administration about the issue.

Zelensky argued that Ukraine could not be expected to refrain from retaliating while Russian forces continued striking its energy infrastructure and killing civilians.

“We said that if you want us not to attack Russia’s refineries, they have not to attack our energy system. Another alternative, give us Patriot missiles, we will find money, not just aid,” he said.

He added that if Washington supplied the missile systems for one month, Ukraine would suspend its attacks on Russian refineries for the same period.

Patriot systems are among Ukraine’s most important weapons for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

Asked whether his proposal amounted to using the situation as leverage against Trump, Zelensky rejected the suggestion, saying: “I don’t have any concerns when I share the truth between partners.”

US Approves Patriot Missile Sale

The Trump administration on Friday authorised the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, according to the US State Department. However, Zelensky warned that deliveries could take years.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly cautioned that the country’s stocks of interceptor missiles are running low.

Last week, Zelensky suggested that the United States and European allies could transfer missiles from their existing stockpiles to Ukraine, with the supplies subsequently replenished through the newly authorised purchase.

Ukraine Truce Ends as Diplomatic Efforts Continue

Meanwhile, the longest ceasefire arrangement of the Ukraine war, which was limited to the eastern Kherson region, ended on Sunday after Russia declined to extend it, according to Ukrainian officials.

US-mediated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are expected to resume later this month. The diplomatic process has effectively stalled since the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran in February.

Zelensky’s proposal now links a possible pause in Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure to the urgent need for additional American air-defence supplies, while broader efforts to secure a ceasefire remain uncertain.