Allies Urge Ukraine to Reduce Strikes on Russian Energy
Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's allies have requested a reduction in attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure amid the ongoing global fuel crisis. However, he emphasized that such a reduction would only occur if Russia ceases its attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities first.
The Ukrainian president conveyed this message to journalists through a WhatsApp voice note, explaining that Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy system are retaliatory in nature.
It remains unclear which specific countries Zelensky referred to, considering that China and India continue to rely heavily on Russian oil, while the European Union depends significantly on Russian gas supplies.
Recent Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Energy Sector
Zelensky's remarks follow a series of long-range Ukrainian attacks targeting Russia's energy sector, including a notable strike on the major oil export terminal at the port of Ust-Luga near St Petersburg.
"We have received messages from some of our partners asking about how our responses against Russia's oil sector - the energy sector - can be reduced," Zelensky said in the voice message.
"If Russia is ready not to strike Ukraine's energy, then we'll respond by not attacking theirs."
Global Energy Market Context
In response to rising energy prices caused by the conflict in Iran and Tehran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping route—the United States recently eased certain sanctions on Russian oil.
China and India remain the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil, accounting for 85% of Russia's exports in February, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Meanwhile, the European Union is the largest buyer of Russian gas, purchasing 34% of it, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), accounting for 49%.
Ukraine's Energy Challenges and Imports
Following sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine's oil refineries, the country now depends heavily on fuel imports, primarily through Poland, Greece, Lithuania, and Turkey.
Previously, almost half of Ukraine's gas imports came from Hungary, but these appear to have been suspended amid Budapest's accusations that Kyiv delayed repairing a pipeline carrying Russian oil over Ukraine's withholding of an EU loan.
Secrecy Surrounding Ukrainian Strikes
The precise targets of Ukraine's deep strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and their effects are closely guarded secrets, resulting in limited public information.
While recent news has focused on Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Ukrainian defense factories have also been targeted.
Impact of Ust-Luga Oil Terminal Strike
On Saturday, Zelensky informed journalists that Ukraine's recent attack on the Ust-Luga oil terminal had disabled 60% of the port's operational capacity.
This statement came after his visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan—countries that have experienced aerial attacks attributed to Iran.
Diplomatic Tour and Offers of Assistance
During his tour, Zelensky offered Ukraine's drone technology and expertise and sought support to protect Ukraine against Russian missile attacks.
Global Oil Prices and Ukraine's Fuel Situation
While rising global oil prices provide additional revenue for Russia's war economy, they simultaneously threaten Ukraine's capacity to sustain its defense efforts.
In response to a BBC question on Saturday, Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian military currently has sufficient fuel but that he aimed to secure additional supplies during his Gulf tour.
He also noted Ukraine's successful efforts to resume grain exports via the Black Sea, highlighting the country's experience in unblocking trade routes as relevant to the situation at the Strait of Hormuz.
Damage to Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure
Russian attacks have inflicted severe damage on Ukraine's energy system, leaving over one million people without electricity and heating during winter months.
