Zelensky says Ukraine ready to match US-backed halt on energy strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told one outlet that Kyiv will halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Russia reciprocates by stopping strikes on Ukrainian critical facilities, citing a social-media announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that the two sides had reached such an agreement. Zelensky described this as a possible first de-escalatory step but noted that Moscow has not demonstrated a sincere desire to end hostilities.

He warned that Russian pressure is mounting due to Ukraine’s precise targeting of Russia’s war economy. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine’s rail network are worsening, with the head of State Ukrainian Railways describing the damage as “growing exponentially.” In parallel, European Union ministers delayed the deadline to extend a sanctions list covering almost 3,000 individuals and entities after France sought to remove billionaire Alisher Usmanov, a move that faced opposition from other members.