Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a “diesel deal” with the United States, offering to halt retaliatory strikes on Russia’s diesel infrastructure if Ukraine receives guarantees to protect its electricity system from Russian attacks. Zelenskyy made the proposal in a post on X, arguing that Russia’s diesel exports would have…...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a “diesel deal” with the United States, offering to halt retaliatory strikes on Russia’s diesel infrastructure if Ukraine receives guarantees to protect its electricity system from Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy made the proposal in a post on X, arguing that Russia’s diesel exports would have little impact on global prices and suggesting that the negotiations should instead focus on protecting energy infrastructure.
“I don’t believe the volume of diesel Russia will export will affect the price,” he said, adding that Russia currently exports between 300,000 and 500,000 tonnes monthly, compared with global consumption of 120 million tonnes a month.
“What kind of impact can that have? I don’t think it would have any. If some people think otherwise, so be it,” the Ukrainian leader added.
He questioned the rationale behind the actions concerning diesel exports and called on Washington to consider a similar arrangement with Kyiv.
“If this is the approach, then why isn’t America making a ‘diesel deal’ with Ukraine? Let Ukraine propose a ‘diesel deal’,” Zelenskyy said.
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He maintained that Ukraine had influence over the movement of vessels and the operation of refineries, suggesting that these could form part of discussions around an agreement.
“We do have influence over whether these ships can sail or not, whether these refineries can operate or not. If that’s the case, then let’s do it,” he said.
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Zelenskyy stressed that protecting Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure should be the central consideration in any proposed agreement, saying Kyiv would refrain from retaliatory attacks on Russian diesel facilities if its power system received adequate protection.
“Electricity is what matters to us. That’s clear. If we can be guaranteed protection for our power system, then we will not strike Russia’s diesel infrastructure in response,” he said.
The Ukrainian president said safeguarding electricity supplies was essential for households and could also benefit European countries because Ukraine was connected to the European power grid.
“Electricity is first and foremost about helping people – keeping their lights on. It also means helping Europe,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could enable the country to supply cheaper electricity to European nations experiencing shortages.
“And if our energy infrastructure is not being destroyed, we can help some countries that are facing shortages by supplying them with cheaper electricity,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his call for an agreement with Washington, saying: “So, yes, let’s sign a corresponding ‘diesel deal’ with the President of the United States.”