Zelenskyy Offers to Pause Refinery Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke on Sunday October 11. He offered to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries.
The offer depends on Moscow stopping attacks on Ukraine's energy systems. He also said Russia alone was responsible for the war.
Britain's Defence Secretary Wes Streeting spoke on Sunday too. He said Britain backed Zelenskyy and Ukrainians alone should decide who leads.
Streeting added that Western unity over the Russia conflict was a priority. Streeting suggested Trump faced political pressure at home over fuel prices.
On Saturday October 10 Trump called for Zelenskyy to be replaced. He wanted a new president who would agree to end the war.
Trump said Zelenskyy could act against Russia but not hit refineries. Trump added: "He better damn well stop." Strikes on those refineries helped raise American diesel prices before midterm elections.
On Friday October 9 Trump announced a Russian diesel deal with Putin. Zelenskyy called the deal a gift to Putin. He warned Russian energy money could help pay for the war.
Key Terms 3
- Wes Streeting Britain's minister in charge of the armed forces.
- Refineries Factories that turn crude oil into fuels like diesel.
- Midterm elections United States elections for Congress held halfway through a president's term.