Ukraine War: Zelensky Proposes Energy Deal via Washington

Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed a reciprocal de-escalation agreement to the United States, involving a halt to Russian refinery strikes in exchange for stopping attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He mentioned that a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Congress was in Kyiv to discuss ending the war and called for stronger sanctions against Russia. Zelensky criticized the recent lifting of European sanctions on Russian oligarchs, citing increased Russian attacks, and claimed Russia is weaker on the battlefield this year, warning against concessions without a clear agreement. He stated Ukraine is ready for symmetrical de-escalation measures, linking the cessation of Russian strikes on its energy facilities to a similar response from Moscow.