Zelensky Pledges to Halt Strikes on Russian Refineries Provided the U.S. Supplies Patriot Missiles

• Zelensky stated that Ukraine cannot avoid retaliation when it lacks the means to protect its energy infrastructure and civilian population from Russian attacks.
• The Trump administration approved a sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, while Zelensky cautioned that deliveries may be delayed for several years.

Washington: President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Ukraine would halt attacks on Russian oil refineries — a condition pressed by President Donald Trump — if the United States provides Kyiv with advanced Patriot air‑defence missiles. In a Fox News interview, Zelensky said Ukraine cannot refrain from responding to Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure and civilian population, noting that such attacks have hit electricity, gas, and refinery facilities. He emphasized that if the United States supplies Patriot systems for one month, Ukraine would cease striking Russian refineries for the same period. Zelensky said Patriot missiles are crucial for intercepting Russian drones and missiles, and he expressed no concern that the arrangement would be viewed as leveraging Trump, stating that he shares the truth openly with his partners. The Trump administration approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine on Friday, though Zelensky warned that deliveries may take years. Ukrainian officials have warned that existing missile stocks are dwindling, and Zelensky recently suggested that allies contribute existing stockpiles, to be replenished by the new purchase. The brief truce in the Kherson region ended on Sunday after Russia refused to extend it, and US‑mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume this month, after a period of stalemate since the United States and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran in February.

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