The key facts
- Zelensky described strikes on refineries as a response to attacks on Ukraine's energy sector
- He previously proposed a one-month pause in exchange for Patriot missiles
- Kyiv links the cessation of attacks to the halt of strikes on its energy infrastructure
Statement following the military briefing
Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the operation against Russia's oil refining industry is continuing, and the Ukrainian command has already determined further retaliatory actions. According to him, such attacks are considered a response to strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. 'The operation against Russia's oil refining industry continues – in response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities... We have determined our next retaliatory measures,' Life.ru quoted him as saying. The statement was made after a military briefing, ahead of talks in Abu Dhabi.
Proposal to Trump and Moscow's position
Earlier, on November 2, in an interview with Fox News, Zelensky proposed to US President Donald Trump a temporary deal: Ukraine would suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries for one month if Washington provided it with a reserve of Patriot missile system rockets for the same period. According to Life.ru, Kyiv also proposes to cease attacks on Russian refineries on the condition that Moscow stops striking Ukraine's energy sector. The Russian side, citing Peskov's words, previously indicated that Ukrainian attacks did not cease even during discussions of a possible moratorium and contradict US peace efforts.
