Zelensky Open to De-escalation if Russia Ceases Attacks
By Editor • September 14, 2026 • 1 min read
In a significant announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to halt its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, contingent upon Russia doing the same. This declaration came on Monday amidst escalating tensions and intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine's rail network.
Trump's Role in the Dialogue
Zelensky's comments followed a surprising social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that both countries had reached an agreement to refrain from targeting each other's energy facilities. Trump criticized Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries, attributing rising fuel prices to the conflict, which is particularly pertinent as the U.S. approaches midterm elections.
Escalating Russian Strikes and Ukrainian Responses
Despite the potential for de-escalation, Zelensky acknowledged that Russia has yet to demonstrate a genuine willingness to end the war. He emphasized that while Ukraine is ready to support de-escalation, the key lies in Russia's readiness to genuinely stop its attacks. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains dire, with reports indicating that Russian assaults on Ukraine's rail infrastructure are worsening significantly week by week.
As evidence of the escalating conflict, a recent attack targeted a train near the Polish border, prompting concerns from Polish officials about potential future strikes against border crossings. Zelensky also called for increased anti-missile defense support from Ukraine's allies in light of the ongoing threats.
Source: www.france24.com
