Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's allies have asked him to scale back attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure, but he stated that such a reduction would only happen if Russia stops targeting Ukraine's energy system.
He made the comments in a voice message after a series of long-range Ukrainian strikes, including on a key oil export terminal near St Petersburg. Zelensky says Ukraine's actions are a direct response to Russian attacks.
The context is a global fuel crisis. China and India remain the largest buyers of Russian crude oil, while the European Union is the top purchaser of Russian gas.
Zelensky was speaking after a tour of Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he offered Ukraine's drone expertise and sought assistance in defending against Russian missile attacks.