Zelensky says Ukraine ready for energy ceasefire with Russia

KYIV – Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is prepared to suspend its military strikes against Russian energy facilities if Moscow reciprocates with a comparable halt. The proposal, presented amid ongoing hostilities that have seen both sides target critical infrastructure, is framed as a step toward de‑escalation before the approaching winter months, which could exacerbate civilian suffering on both sides of the conflict.

Zelensky’s offer comes as diplomatic activity intensifies around the UN gathering, where leaders are discussing pathways to end the war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. While Moscow has not yet responded to the Ukrainian president’s conditional cease‑fire request, the statement underscores Kyiv’s willingness to explore reciprocal measures that could reduce the humanitarian toll and potentially pave the way for broader negotiations aimed at concluding the conflict before the harsh winter season sets in.