Zelenskyy says Ukraine could stop energy strikes if Russia does the same

Zelenskyy made the remarks during an address at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

“In other words, we need to unblock the Black Sea and find an opportunity for an energy ceasefire, if that is the right phrase to use,” Zelenskyy said.

“That would mean protecting the energy systems of both countries. If the Russians, in other words, do not strike our energy system and our people have electricity, Ukraine will likewise not respond in kind.”

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has the capability to retaliate against Russian attacks, including strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

“Russia knows that if they strike — and they are preparing to strike our energy system — Russia will receive the same,” he said.

“If they cause blackouts for us, we will try to respond appropriately.”

Zelenskyy said in an Axios interview on Sept. 7 that Ukraine plans to use September and October to revive the diplomatic process aimed at ending Russia’s war.

He said the United Nations General Assembly in New York could become one of the venues for renewed negotiations with the United States.

Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks in both Moscow and Kyiv two days earlier.

They met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Sept. 5 before traveling to Ukraine the following day for their first visit to Kyiv as part of negotiations aimed at ending the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Putin by phone on Sept. 8 following the envoys’ visits to Moscow and Kyiv.

Trump pressed for the war Russia launched against Ukraine to end as soon as possible during the call.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sept. 10 that no substantive discussions were currently taking place over a possible energy ceasefire with Ukraine.

“No substantive talks are underway,” Peskov said.