Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on October 11, 2026, that his country would cease targeting Russian diesel refineries if Russia pauses its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy made these remarks during an exclusive interview with ABC News, appearing on the program "This Week."

The proposed exchange comes amid ongoing conflict and escalating tensions over Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil facilities, which have drawn criticism from former President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine's actions are a direct response to Russia's repeated assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

"We want peace, we are ready for [a] ceasefire, we are ready to begin from any kind of steps of de-escalation," Zelenskyy told ABC News co-anchor Jonathan Karl. He added, "And if the Russians want us not [to] attack their diesel, their refineries and etc., we are asking President Trump, give them signal not attack energy infrastructure of Ukraine. Don't attack us. Don't kill our children. We will stop attack[ing] your diesel. And I think it's [a] fair, fair deal."

Following the broadcast of Zelenskyy's interview, former President Trump announced on social media that Ukraine and Russia had both agreed to an "ENERGY CEASEFIRE," urging both sides not to break it. However, a senior source within Ukraine's presidential office told ABC News that Zelenskyy and his office were not informed of this alleged agreement beforehand and learned about it through social media. The source indicated that Ukraine has no information regarding such a deal.

Former President Trump had previously voiced concerns about Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries, asserting that these actions contribute to a global energy crisis and exacerbate diesel fuel prices. He expressed frustration that Ukraine's tactics were creating "world problems."

A senior Ukrainian source also indicated to ABC News that Kyiv anticipates the Trump administration may cease sharing U.S. intelligence on Russian missile launches in retaliation for Ukraine's refusal to halt strikes on Russian oil industry targets.

Zelenskyy and former President Trump have a history of a strained relationship. In 2025, a meeting in the Oval Office reportedly escalated into a public disagreement, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy's handling of the war and making unsubstantiated claims about his role in initiating the conflict.

The ongoing dispute over energy infrastructure strikes highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and the challenges in de-escalating the conflict, particularly as international actors attempt to mediate or influence the course of events.