Ukraine has proposed a mutual ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks through American intermediaries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday evening. The proposal comes as both sides have escalated strikes on each other's energy facilities in recent weeks.
If Russia is ready to stop striking our energy sector, we will be ready to respond in kind. And this proposal of ours – conveyed through the Americans – has been communicated to the Russian side
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President — Daily Sabah
The diplomatic overture follows Ukrainian drone strikes on major Russian oil export facilities at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Ukrainian forces targeted the Sheskharis oil terminal, damaging six of seven oil tanker loading stands and sparking large-scale fires, according to Ukraine's SBU security agency.
Russia accused Ukraine of also striking the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, which handles 1.5% of global oil supply and 80% of Kazakhstan's crude exports. The facility's shareholders include American energy giants Chevron and Exxon Mobil. Moscow claimed Ukraine deliberately targeted the international facility to inflict maximum economic damage on US and Kazakhstani companies.
The Sheskharis terminal typically processes 600,000 to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily and exported 19.8 million tons of oil products last year. Industry sources reported fires engulfed the main pier near berths capable of servicing tankers up to 250,000 metric tons deadweight.
Daily Sabah frames the story as a diplomatic development, emphasizing Ukraine's proposal while providing detailed coverage of the oil terminal strikes. As a NATO member maintaining relations with both sides, Turkey's outlet presents the energy ceasefire offer as a potential de-escalation mechanism.