Zelenskyy Responds to Trump, Defends Refinery Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended his country's strikes on Russian oil refineries, stating in an exclusive interview with ABC News that such actions are a direct response to repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy relayed this message to former President Donald Trump and his team, emphasizing Ukraine's desire for peace.

"We want peace, we are ready for [a] ceasefire, we are ready to begin from any kind of steps of de-escalation," Zelenskyy told "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl. "And if the Russians want us not [to] attack their diesel, their refineries and etc., we are asking President Trump, give them signal not attack energy infrastructure of Ukraine."

Zelenskyy framed the exchange as a potential trade. "Don't attack us. Don't kill our children. We will stop attack[ing] your diesel. And I think it's fair, fair deal," he stated.

His comments come after President Trump publicly criticized Ukraine's actions. Trump, speaking to reporters, claimed that Zelenskyy "chooses not to" end the war and expressed concern that the refinery strikes were exacerbating a global energy crisis and increasing diesel fuel prices.

"We said you could do whatever you want to Russia, don't hit the refineries, because that's a world problem that's caused. And [Zelenskyy] wants to make problems for the world," Trump said. "He can do whatever he wants. But you can't do that because we have a world problem. And the problem is caused by the lack of refineries for diesel fuel. So what does he do? He goes and hits refineries."

President Zelenskyy also indicated that Ukraine would organize elections if Russia adheres to a 60-day ceasefire, a condition he has previously tied to electoral processes. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.