Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was asked by some allied nations to halt attacks on Russian oil infrastructure amid the US and Israeli war against Iran. The Middle East conflict has resulted in damage to energy infrastructure in a number of countries, and Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking with reporters via WhatsApp, Zelensky said on Monday. “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 he would not curtail attacks on Russian oil sites unless Moscow agreed to end attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukraine and Russia have carried out numerous strikes against energy infrastructure. Western countries, including the US, have aided Kiev in striking Russian oil sites far from the front lines.
Last week, Ukraine hit the Ust-Luga oil terminal in Russia. Zelensky claimed the attack shut down 60% of the plant’s export capability.
World energy prices are on the rise because of the raging war in the Middle East. In response to a US and Israeli surprise attack, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. In response to Israeli and US attacks on Iranian energy sites, Iran has targeted oil infrastructure across the region.
On Monday, President Donald Trump threatened to escalate attacks on Iranian civilian and energy sites.
Economists warn that the war is creating an oil crisis worse than what the world experienced in the 1970s.
