Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that allies have urged him to scale back attacks on Russian energy infrastructure amid the ongoing global fuel crisis, but asserted such requests would only be considered if Russia ceased its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector.
In a WhatsApp voice message to journalists, Zelensky explained that Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy facilities are retaliatory measures in response to ongoing aggression. If Russia is ready not to strike Ukraine's energy, then we'll respond by not attacking theirs, he stated, highlighting that Ukraine's actions are defensive.
It's unclear which specific countries Zelensky was referring to, but major consumers of Russian oil, including China and India, remain reliant on its exports. The Ukrainian leader's comments come after recent long-range strikes blamed for crippling Russia's energy sector, particularly targeting the oil export terminal at Ust-Luga near St. Petersburg.
Zelensky mentioned that some partners had queried about the impact of Ukraine's actions on the energy market. He stressed that Ukraine is merely ensuring retaliation against continued Russian aggression.
In the context of rising energy prices due to several global tensions, including the war in Iran, the U.S. has recently moderated its sanctions on Russian oil. Meanwhile, countries like China and India accounted for the bulk of Russia's crude oil exports, with the EU remaining a major buyer of Russian gas.
In the wake of relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine has had to rely more on fuel imports amidst challenges in supplying its own energy needs.
Zelensky was currently on a tour of Gulf nations, where he has been seeking support to prevent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, offering Ukraine’s technological expertise in drones and other areas in return.
In a WhatsApp voice message to journalists, Zelensky explained that Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy facilities are retaliatory measures in response to ongoing aggression. If Russia is ready not to strike Ukraine's energy, then we'll respond by not attacking theirs, he stated, highlighting that Ukraine's actions are defensive.
It's unclear which specific countries Zelensky was referring to, but major consumers of Russian oil, including China and India, remain reliant on its exports. The Ukrainian leader's comments come after recent long-range strikes blamed for crippling Russia's energy sector, particularly targeting the oil export terminal at Ust-Luga near St. Petersburg.
Zelensky mentioned that some partners had queried about the impact of Ukraine's actions on the energy market. He stressed that Ukraine is merely ensuring retaliation against continued Russian aggression.
In the context of rising energy prices due to several global tensions, including the war in Iran, the U.S. has recently moderated its sanctions on Russian oil. Meanwhile, countries like China and India accounted for the bulk of Russia's crude oil exports, with the EU remaining a major buyer of Russian gas.
In the wake of relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine has had to rely more on fuel imports amidst challenges in supplying its own energy needs.
Zelensky was currently on a tour of Gulf nations, where he has been seeking support to prevent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, offering Ukraine’s technological expertise in drones and other areas in return.
