Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the coming spring and summer will be particularly difficult for Ukraine, as the country faces pressure not only on the battlefield but also in the diplomatic arena to bring the war to an end.
Zelenskyy pointed out that due to the conflict in Iran and heightened tensions in the Middle East, which have driven global oil prices sharply higher, Ukraine’s allies have urged Kyiv to scale back strikes on Russia’s oil sector. He did not specify which allies made the request.
The president emphasized that if Russia wishes to de-escalate the situation, it should halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and agree to resume trilateral peace talks mediated by Washington. However, he acknowledged that the United States is currently reluctant to devote more time to the Ukrainian peace process.
“This spring and summer will be very difficult, both politically and diplomatically. Ukraine may face pressure. There will also be pressure on the battlefield,” Zelenskyy said in remarks released by his office to journalists on Friday. “I believe our situation will remain very challenging until at least September.”
Zelenskyy once again called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia. He expressed hope that the U.S. would fully reinstate sanctions on Russian oil, which were temporarily eased during the Iran conflict.
“Some of Russia’s oil facilities are currently experiencing serious issues. Whenever our energy sector is attacked, we respond—this is entirely justified. If Russia wants to stop this, they must cease their strikes, and we will respond in kind,” he stated.
Zelenskyy noted that during the period when Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine’s allies had asked for a reduction in strikes on Russian oil facilities. However, he responded by saying that Russian oil has only a limited impact on global markets.
Zelenskyy concluded by stating that if Russia is serious about de-escalation, it should engage in trilateral talks within the next three months to explore diplomatic avenues for ending the war.