Kyiv, Nov 02 (V7N)- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed temporarily halting attacks on Russian oil refineries in exchange for the United States supplying Patriot air defence missiles to Kyiv.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would stop targeting Russian oil refineries for one month if Washington provides the country with Patriot missiles for the same period.
The proposal comes amid US President Donald Trump's efforts to persuade Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.
In an interview with US broadcaster Fox News on Sunday (November 1), Zelensky said he had discussed the issue several times with Trump and members of his administration.
He stressed that Ukraine could not remain silent while Russia continued attacking its energy infrastructure, including electricity and gas facilities, oil refineries and other critical installations, resulting in civilian casualties.
Zelensky said Ukraine had the right to respond to Russian attacks but added that Kyiv was prepared to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow also stopped targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The Ukrainian president also presented an alternative proposal, saying the United States could supply Patriot missiles to Kyiv through a purchase arrangement, with Ukraine ready to raise the necessary funds rather than relying solely on military assistance.
Asked by Fox News host Trey Yingst whether the proposal was intended to put pressure on Trump, Zelensky said he had no hesitation in presenting the truth to Ukraine's international partners.
Patriot systems remain among Ukraine's most important air defence capabilities against Russian missile and drone attacks. However, Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over declining missile stockpiles.
On Friday (October 30), the Trump administration approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, according to the US State Department. However, Zelensky expressed concern that the actual delivery could take years.
Last week, he also proposed that the United States and its European allies provide missiles from their existing stockpiles, with those supplies to be replenished through newly approved purchases.
Meanwhile, the longest ceasefire since the beginning of the Ukraine war ended on Sunday. The temporary truce was limited to the eastern Kherson region, with Ukrainian officials saying Russia had rejected a proposal to extend it.
Separately, Russia and Ukraine are expected to resume negotiations this month under US mediation. However, diplomatic efforts have remained largely stalled since joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
The latest proposal highlights Kyiv's efforts to link a possible halt to attacks on energy infrastructure with continued US military support as the war with Russia continues.
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