Published: 09:28, September 15, 2026
Ukraine says ready to halt certain strikes if Russia does the same
By Xinhua

A civilian reacts after a gas station was hit by a Russian drone in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 11, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

KYIV/MOSCOW – Ukraine is ready to halt certain strikes if Russia does the same, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday.

"If our partners are ready to ensure that Russia genuinely refrains from striking our electricity system, other energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and food supply routes, then, of course, we are ready to ensure a corresponding halt to our strikes," Zelensky said on X.

He said any partial ceasefire should be reliable and long-term, and should hold beyond Russia's elections scheduled for this month.

ALSO READ: Russian forces hit drone plants, logistics centers, power facilities in Ukraine

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that the conflict must be brought to an end and a de-escalatory step involving critical infrastructure could be the first move toward peace.

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure.

Kremlin welcomes Trump's call for halting strikes

In Moscow, the Kremlin on Monday welcomed Trump's call on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russia's fuel-producing facilities.

"Any call on Kyiv to stop attacks on civilian economic infrastructure can only be welcomed," said Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"Any countries can use their influence on Kyiv to encourage it to show greater flexibility, which would be a significant contribution to the settlement process," Peskov said.

READ MORE: Kremlin: Russia doesn't rule out resuming trilateral talks on Ukraine

On Sunday, Trump urged Zelensky to stop attacking Russian refineries, saying such strikes were causing a shortage of diesel.

Earlier, the Russian government introduced a temporary ban on the export of gasoline, diesel, marine fuel and gas oil to stabilize the domestic fuel market.