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Conflict and securityReports from 22 Sep to 28 Oct 2026

Ukraine’s energy ceasefire proposal and refinery strikes

Zelensky said Ukraine was ready for an energy truce if Russia stopped attacking Ukraine’s energy system, and described Ukrainian refinery strikes as a response to Russian attacks. Trump urged Zelensky to ease the strikes and blamed them for fuel shortages, while the Kyiv Independent said they were unlikely to be the main driver of diesel prices. Zelensky also said Trump had decided to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles; Ukraine’s defense minister said recent strikes had disabled more than 51% of Russia’s refining capacity, a figure the Associated Press said it could not independently verify.

Summary written by our automated pipeline from the outlets' reporting. How it works

29 outlets in 17 countries, 8 relaying others' reporting · earliest dated report in our sources by CBC News (Canada),

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an official portrait photographed on 26 August 2019.
Photo credits

In their own words

Grouped by where each speaker is from. Quotation marks are the speaker's own words; other lines are our summaries.

Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president
“But we will not respond, of course, just like them, on any civilian objects.”

Quoted in Ukrainska Pravda, via Reuters · also 2 other outlets

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president
“With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners: what gives money to them for this war.”

Quoted in Ukrinform, via Reuters · also 1 other outlet

More from Ukraine (2)
Government

Ukraine has indicated it is willing to cooperate.

Our summary of France 24

Political parties

Viktor Medvedchuk, Leader of Other Ukraine

Medvedchuk claimed that during his meeting with Trump in front of journalists, Zelenskyy only nodded and scratched his nose, supposedly following an order to sit still.

Our summary of RIA Novosti

United States

Donald Trump, U.S. president
“Before winter. Big thing - before winter”

Quoted in TASS

Donald Trump, U.S. president
“You gotta take it easy on the refineries.”

Quoted in The Kyiv Independent · also 1 other outlet

More from United States (1)
Chris Wright, U.S. energy secretary

Chris Wright said no one was considering a total ban on diesel exports.

Our summary of CBC News

Russia

Kremlin, Russian presidential office

Moscow denies systematically targeting civilians in its bombings.

Our summary of Deutsche Welle · long-held position

Where accounts differ

Points where outlets or parties give conflicting facts or readings. Each side is summarised by our pipeline; its sources are listed under it.

Accounts conflict Whether Russian policy authorized broader strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets

Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents showing a Russian doctrine allowing broader strikes on civilian targets to pressure people to leave cities.

Sources (2)

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · our summary of The Kyiv Independent, via Reuters

“We saw documents and we know that they allow them [to] attack infrastructure ... logistics ... roads, schools, hospitals, to pressure people to leave the capital, leave different…”
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · quoted in The Kyiv Independent, via Reuters

Moscow has previously denied systematically targeting civilians in its bombings.

Sources (1)

Kremlin, Russian presidential office · our summary of Deutsche Welle

Disputed How much Ukraine’s refinery strikes contributed to the global diesel price surge

Trump said the strikes were causing a global problem and a diesel shortage.

Sources (2)

Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda

“…because he's causing a shortage of diesel.”
Donald Trump, U.S. president · quoted in Deutsche Welle

The Kyiv Independent said there was little evidence that the strikes were the main driver and that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran had a far greater effect on supplies.

Sources (2)

Our summary of The Kyiv Independent

Our summary of The Kyiv Independent

Other voices

Reactions from other countries and bodies, others involved, and commentary.

Others involved

Ukrainian historian

The historian said Zelensky now had a chance to show how strongly he truly wanted peace for Ukraine.

Our summary of RIA Novosti

As quoted in Russian, with a machine translation

“Теперь у Зеленского есть шанс показать, насколько сильно он на самом деле хочет мира для Украины”

No translation yet.

Carol Montreuil, Canadian Fuels Association representative
“We export almost two times more than we import, so Canada could get by without U.S. exports very easily”

Quoted in CBC News

Oleg Soskin

Soskin said Zelensky was wrong to tell Trump that Ukraine might not hold out until winter.

Our summary of RIA Novosti

Commentary

analysts

Analysts said it was unclear how strongly Donald Trump was pushing for a ceasefire agreement or when he wanted it to happen.

Our summary of France 24

Alexander Stepanov, RANEPA analyst

Stepanov said Zelensky sought to suspend systematic strikes on targets in Ukraine during his meeting with Trump.

Our summary of TASS

Alexander Stepanov, RANEPA analyst

Stepanov said the Ukrainian authorities urgently needed a respite rather than full-scale peace talks.

Our summary of TASS

Timeline

  1. 2026-09-13

    On Sept. 13, Trump told Zelensky to stop Ukraine’s attacks on Russian diesel-fuel facilities, saying they were causing shortages.

    Sources: Ukrainska Pravda (via European Pravda)

    Supporting statements

    Trump said the attacks were causing shortages.

    Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda
  2. 2026-09-22

    On Tuesday, September 22, Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in New York. Zelensky said Ukraine was ready for an energy ceasefire if Russia stopped attacking its system; he said a unilateral halt to Ukraine’s refinery strikes had not been discussed and that the meeting produced no agreements.

    Sources: France 24 · The Guardian · CBC News · CBC News

    Supporting statements

    Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky met in New York to discuss the war in Ukraine.

    Our summary of France 24

    Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for an energy ceasefire if Russia agreed not to attack Ukraine's energy system.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president · our summary of The Guardian

    Zelenskyy said Ukraine was open to any format of energy truce with Russia, but that a unilateral Ukrainian halt to attacks on Russian refineries had not been discussed.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president · our summary of CBC News

    Zelenskyy said his meeting with Trump produced no agreements.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president · our summary of CBC News
  3. 2026-09-27

    On Sep. 27, Trump said he once again urged Zelensky to scale back Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries and said Zelensky replied that Ukraine would probably ease them.

    Sources: The Kyiv Independent · Ukrainska Pravda (via European Pravda)

    Supporting statements

    Trump said he again urged Zelensky to scale back Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries.

    Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of The Kyiv Independent
    “He said, 'Well, we'll probably do that.'”
    Donald Trump, U.S. president · quoted in Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda
  4. 2026-10-03

    On Oct. 3, Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents showing a Russian doctrine allowing broader strikes on civilian targets, and said Ukraine would respond to attacks on its energy system by striking Russian energy facilities while avoiding civilian objects.

    Sources: The Kyiv Independent (via Reuters)

    Supporting statements

    Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence obtained documents showing that Putin had issued a doctrine allowing broader Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets in the coming winter.

    Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · our summary of The Kyiv Independent, via Reuters
    “We saw documents and we know that they allow them [to] attack infrastructure ... logistics ... roads, schools, hospitals, to pressure people to leave the capital, leave different…”
    Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · quoted in The Kyiv Independent, via Reuters
    “We have to respond in any way [we can]. With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refineries: what gives money to them for this war”
    Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · quoted in The Kyiv Independent, via Reuters
    “But we will not respond, of course, just like them, on any civilian objects.”
    Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · quoted in The Kyiv Independent, via Reuters

Coverage

Each outlet's headline, linked to its article. Non-English headlines are machine-translated. The groupings and notes on what each outlet emphasises are automated.

Our outlets in Iran didn't cover it. No statements from the government or officials of Iran or France are in our sources.

Group by
The Kyiv IndependentUkraine
Moscow unveils 'new doctrine' targeting Ukrainian civilians, Zelensky vows to respond with more energy strikes Explains refinery strikes as planned efforts to weaken Russia
9 more from The Kyiv IndependentTrump wants Zelensky to ease strikes on Russian refineries, Ukraine official says deal must go both waysUS proposes trilateral talks with Russia, Ukraine by end of October, Zelensky saysPutin casts doubt on resuming Ukraine talks, citing mass drone attack during Russian electionUkraine strikes 'very important' deal on new batch of Patriot missiles, Zelensky saysZelensky meets Macron to discuss air defenses, winter supportUkraine receives 12 Patriot missiles per month from US, Zelensky saysRussian drone strikes Zaporizhzhia bridge in overnight attackTrump made 'final decision' on granting Ukraine Patriot licenses, Zelensky saysRubio to meet Lavrov in New York on Sept. 23
Ukrainska PravdaUkraine
Ukraine will step up strikes on Russian refineries in response to Moscow's aerial terror, Zelenskyy says Reports Bloomberg's account of a proposed Moscow trip
14 more from Ukrainska PravdaTrump claims Zelenskyy agreed to "take it easy" on strikes on Russian oil refineriesTrump asked Zelenskyy to travel to Moscow for meeting with Putin, but he refused, Bloomberg saysUkraine ready for five ceasefire arrangements, but Russia must agree – Foreign Ministry75% of Ukrainians open to negotiations with Russia to end war – surveyZelenskyy: Russia will "repay" diesel concessions with "further terror and perfidy"Trump has agreed with Putin on Russian diesel supplies to USTrump yet again blames Ukraine for rising fuel pricesZelenskyy surprised by Russia's "savage desire" to escalate war, says it was Russia that struck firstZelenskyy comments on potential US-Ukraine-Russia meeting by late OctoberUS ambassador to NATO believes Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia are bringing peace talks closerPresident's Office denies Bloomberg report on Trump proposing Zelenskyy-Putin meeting in MoscowEU to discuss who will give up their place in queue for Patriot missiles to Ukraine – sourceMacron wants to propose "double moratorium": no strikes on Russian oil refineries or fighting in Black SeaTrump and Xi Jinping discuss Ukraine during White House meeting
Relays Reuters
UkrinformUkraine
Ukraine to step up strikes on Russian oil refineries in response to Putin's 'new doctrine' – Zelensky Emphasizes Ukraine's pledge not to target civilians
2 more from UkrinformZelensky: No 'Anchorage agreements' in negotiationsZelensky names three areas discussed in New York for moving toward ceasefire
Relays Reuters
RIA NovostiRussia
Trump urged Zelensky to travel to Moscow, Bloomberg reported Translated headline. Original: Трамп призвал Зеленского поехать в Москву, сообщил Bloomberg Features Medvedchuk's account of Zelensky's meeting demeanor
15 more from RIA NovostiMedia: Trump bored by Zelensky’s rhetoric at meetingUkraine learns of Zelensky’s disappointment after meeting with TrumpJournalists find out where Trump sent ZelenskyGermany’s Chancellor Will Be Given a Choice Between Disgrace and FascismMedvedchuk calls Zelensky’s trip to the UN General Assembly a failureU.S. delivers bad news to Zelenskyy after his meeting with TrumpZelensky infuriates social media users with statement after meeting TrumpRussia has finally been driven into a fuel trap: celebrations in Europe bring tears“Zelensky has a chance.” Ukrainian historian assesses Trump’s proposal“We have to go”: Kyiv responds to Trump’s remarks about Zelensky’s visit to MoscowTrump’s unusual gesture after shaking hands with Zelensky caught on videoMedvedchuk commented on Zelensky’s behavior at the UN General AssemblyZelensky is swinging between threats and begging, political scientist saysDuma deputy jokes about why Zelensky refused to go to MoscowOutrage in Kyiv over Zelensky’s action at meeting with Trump
TASSRussia
Ukraine’s Zelensky says Kiev may ease strikes on Russian oil refineries — Trump Highlights Trump's refusal to disclose deal terms
7 more from TASSZelensky arrives in US hoping to push for halt in strikes — expertPress review: Trump, Zelensky signal Russia deal interest as Moscow eyes fresh US dialogueTrump stresses need to settle Ukraine conflict with Russia before winterTrump keeps Kiev concessions secret, says deal with Russia comingTrump thinks he, Putin may meet soon, but unlikely at US G20 summitTrump-Zelensky rift will not affect special military operation, expert saysUkrainian delegation holds talks with US envoys on UNGA sidelines
NPRUnited States
Zelenskyy says Ukraine and Russia should stop attacking each other's energy systems Centers Zelensky's proposal for reciprocal energy restraint
PBS NewsHourUnited States
Russia and Ukraine trade strikes ahead of Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump Notes that refinery-damage claims remain unverified
1 more from PBS NewsHourUkraine's Zelenskyy says he urged Trump to enlist China's help in ending Russia's invasion
Relays Associated Press
France 24France
Trump and Zelensky discuss path to ending Ukraine war Questions the timing and strength of U.S. ceasefire pressure
3 more from France 24AI risks, Iran war dominate agenda at UNNoneZelensky says Ukraine is ready for an energy ceasefire with Russia
South China Morning PostHong Kong
Zelensky meets Trump, says Ukraine ready for energy truce with Russia Connects fuel damage to Trump's election-year pressures
Yonhap News AgencySouth Korea
Zelensky claims Putin “allowed attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv” ahead of winter Translated headline. Original: 젤렌스키 "푸틴, 겨울 앞두고 키이우 민간표적 허용" 주장 Highlights Zelensky's hope for U.S.-led negotiations
7 more from Yonhap News AgencyAfter Zelensky Ignored the Request, Trump Decides on a Transit Deal with PutinUS and Iran, at war, stage ‘walkouts’ at UN… leave as each other’s leader delivers speechRussia: Putin-Trump meeting would be a waste of time if not properly preparedTrump makes no mention of N. Korea in U.N. address while touching on Iran, Cuba, other issuesU.S. puts support for Patriot missiles, Ukraine’s “last line of defense,” on holdZelensky: “Trump should sanction Russia’s version of Starlink”Zelensky: “The US has proposed the UAE as the venue for a three-way meeting”
Deutsche WelleGermany
Ukraine to step up oil attacks as Russia hits Kyiv bridges Pairs refinery retaliation with a pledge to avoid civilian targets
3 more from Deutsche WelleDiesel prices are surging putting further pressure on Europe. Ukraine is only part of the story.Diesel prices are surging putting further pressure on EuropeRussia, Ukraine trade deadly strikes as Zelenskyy attends UNGA
The GuardianUnited Kingdom
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy ready for ‘energy ceasefire’, as Nato warns Putin becoming ‘increasingly cavalier’ Makes Ukraine's energy truce conditional on Russia
3 more from The Guardian‘We hope he’ll accept’: US invites Putin to G20 summit at Trump golf clubNew UK agency to fight ‘information warfare’ from likes of Russia, Burnham tells UNTrump praises relations with Burnham despite tensions over AI and Iran
OkazSaudi Arabia
Zelenskyy discusses with Trump efforts to end the war with Russia Translated headline. Original: زيلينسكي يبحث مع ترمب جهود إنهاء الحرب مع روسيا Describes mutual de-escalation steps for energy facilities
HürriyetTürkiye
Zelenski’s invitation to Putin... ‘Let’s sit down and talk, let’s end the war’ Translated headline. Original: Zelenski’den Putin’e davet... ‘Oturup konuşalım savaşı bitirelim’ Highlights Zelensky's call to sit down and talk
1 more from HürriyetTrump announces: US officials met with Iranian delegation
CBC NewsCanada
If Trump bans U.S. diesel exports, global prices will go even higher, experts say Explores Canadian exposure to a U.S. diesel ban
3 more from CBC NewsZelenskyy addresses UN as Rubio of U.S. says Ukraine, Russia have interest in limited ceasefireTrump and Zelenskyy discuss potential for energy truce in face of new wave of strikes on infrastructureRussia to intensify strikes on Ukraine after Zelenskyy remarks, defence ministry says
Also mentioned in passing by 14 outlets

More detail

Written by our automated pipeline from the statements in the coverage; each point lists the statements it rests on.

Key points

Zelensky offered an energy truce conditional on Russia stopping attacks on Ukraine’s energy system, and said a unilateral Ukrainian halt to refinery strikes had not been discussed. He also said he had not been pressured in closed-door talks with Trump to stop the attacks.

Sources (3)

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president · our summary of The Guardian

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president · our summary of CBC News

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president · our summary of Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda

Trump urged Zelensky to ease refinery strikes and said Zelensky replied Ukraine would probably do so. Zelensky’s stated position was that restraint depended on Russia also stopping attacks on Ukraine’s energy system.

Sources (3)

Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of The Kyiv Independent

“He said, 'Well, we'll probably do that.'”
Donald Trump, U.S. president · quoted in Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · our summary of Okaz

Trump linked Ukraine’s strikes to fuel shortages and global diesel problems. The Kyiv Independent said there was little evidence the strikes were the main driver of the price rise and that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran had a greater effect on diesel and gasoil supplies.

Sources (4)

Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda

Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of Ukrainska Pravda, via European Pravda

“…because he's causing a shortage of diesel.”
Donald Trump, U.S. president · quoted in Deutsche Welle

Our summary of The Kyiv Independent

Ukraine’s defense minister said recent Ukrainian strikes had disabled more than 51% of Russia’s oil refining capacity; the Associated Press said it could not independently verify the figure.

Zelensky said Ukraine would answer Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure by targeting Russian energy facilities, especially refineries, while avoiding civilian objects.

Sources (2)
“With their attacks on our energy, we have to respond on their energy. First of all, oil refiners: what gives money to them for this war.”
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · quoted in Ukrinform, via Reuters
“But we will not respond, of course, just like them, on any civilian objects”
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president · quoted in Ukrinform, via Reuters
How coverage differed

RIA Novosti reports: They foregrounded the brief press exchange before the closed meeting, portraying Trump as dominating it, and reported that the closed portion lasted about 40 minutes.

International outlets including CBC, France 24 and The Guardian: They focused on the possible energy ceasefire and Zelensky’s condition that Russia reciprocate.

Russian state outlets: They highlighted Trump’s confidence in a deal and the urgency of settling the war before winter.

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Photo credits

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an official portrait photographed on 26 August 2019.

File:Volodymyr Zelensky Official portrait.jpg · http://www.president.gov.ua/ · CC BY 4.0

President.gov.ua

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/president/biografiya

Creator Original source

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

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