Zelenskyy says Ukraine proposed energy truce to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Monday that Kyiv has formally proposed a reciprocal cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure to Moscow. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said: “If Russia is ready to stop strikes on our energy sector, we will be ready to respond in kind. This is our proposal — conveyed through the Americans — and the Russian side has it.” The offer comes as both countries continue to target each other’s power grids and energy facilities, causing widespread blackouts and civilian hardship.

Security guarantees key to lasting peace

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is working “substantively” with the American side on documents, preparing proposals and strengthening the framework on security guarantees. “Security guarantees are the key to truly ending the war, to achieving a lasting peace, and to creating the political and legal conditions necessary to bring the war to an end and to build public trust in the process,” he said. He emphasized that Kyiv remains in daily contact with the US at multiple levels to “ensure there is a result.”

Diplomatic skepticism and US distraction

Zelenskyy acknowledged widespread skepticism about diplomacy regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, stating: “The outcome, and whether there will be one at all, depends on all participants in the diplomatic process.” Earlier this year, Russia and Ukraine held several rounds of US-mediated peace talks, but the process was interrupted by Washington’s decision to launch a military operation in the Middle East. For Türkiye, which has consistently mediated between Russia and Ukraine—including hosting direct talks in Istanbul and brokering the Black Sea grain deal—the renewed focus on energy truce offers a potential pathway to de-escalation. Ankara continues to offer its good offices and has urged both sides to build on any ceasefire progress, even as global attention remains divided between the European and Middle Eastern conflicts.