Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv is prepared to pause attacks on critical infrastructure if Russia makes the same commitment, offering a possible opening for a limited de-escalation in the war. ">Zelenskyy said Ukraine could agree to stop attacks on Russian infrastructure if Moscow also refrains from striking Ukrainian infrastructure.

The proposal comes as diplomatic efforts continue around the possibility of reducing attacks on energy facilities and other critical infrastructure in both countries.

Ukraine seeks a reciprocal commitment

Zelenskyy has indicated that Kyiv is open to the idea of stopping such attacks, but he wants assurances that Russia would honour the arrangement.

The Ukrainian president has stressed the importance of clear guarantees before Ukraine commits to a pause. For Kyiv, the issue is not only reaching an understanding but ensuring that any agreement is respected.

That caution reflects the difficulty of previous efforts to establish temporary arrangements during the war.

Energy facilities remain under pressure

Infrastructure has become an important part of the conflict, with both Russia and Ukraine carrying out attacks on energy-related targets.

Russian strikes have repeatedly affected Ukraine's energy infrastructure, while Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian oil and energy facilities.

The attacks have consequences beyond military operations, putting pressure on energy supplies and infrastructure in both countries.

A possible step toward de-escalation

A mutual halt to infrastructure attacks would not amount to a broader ceasefire, but it could reduce some of the immediate damage caused by the conflict.

For Ukraine, however, any such agreement would depend on Russia making the same commitment and following through.

Zelenskyy's comments therefore leave the door open to a limited arrangement while making clear that Kyiv remains cautious.

What happens next

The proposal now depends on whether Russia and Ukraine can agree on the details and establish enough confidence for both sides to comply.

For now, the fighting continues, but the possibility of a reciprocal pause on infrastructure attacks offers one area where the two sides could potentially reduce the intensity of the conflict.

Whether that opening develops into a formal agreement remains to be seen.