President Zelenskyy of Ukraine has proposed to halt attacks on Russia’s oil refineries for a month in return for American support in the replenishment of Patriot missiles, after warning that its supply from the US is running low.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a shipment of interceptors may not have arrived, but that Ukraine made no effort to sabotage it.
T-14 Armata Tank Russia. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
T-14 Armata. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
“We have almost no Patriot interceptors left from the United States batch,” President Zelenskyy said Monday when addressing lawmakers, according to Kyiv Post.
The discussion comes after President Donald Trump lifted restrictions on Russian diesel fuel exports earlier this month and demanded that Ukraine cease attacks on refineries.
30 Day Pause In Russian Oil Refinery Attacks
The Ukrainian presidency confirmed the offer to a bipartisan congressional delegation.
“We could pause strikes on Russian oil refineries for 30 days, and in return, we would expect America to help us defend the sky for 30 days – only 30 days – specifically with Patriot interceptors. That, I believe, would be fair, but unfortunately, we have not heard any offers to help with that option, either,” Zelenskyy said, according to the Kyiv Post.
He noted that Ukraine had halted attacks on Russian oil facilities at the request of President Trump.
“We didn’t attack Russian oil facilities for several days, but the Russians kept attacking our energy infrastructure anyway,” Zelenskyy said.
“Let the Russians stop attacking our electricity. We will stop hitting their oil refineries. This could work… As we understand it, Putin refused,” he went on,
Kyiv had proposed a reciprocal pause in attacks on energy facilities.
Missiles Paid For By Europeans, Approval Needed From US
President Zelenskyy speculated that the Pentagon could have deliberately slowed missiles Europe purchased through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL.
He noted that transferring missiles from European stockpiles requires authorization from the United States.
“Their transfer requires your permission. Fortunately, the missiles are ready; they could be in Ukraine today.
But unfortunately, there are still no decisions,” Zelenskyy said, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not formally reject the request to transfer missiles, but did not approve it, according to the Washington Post
Kyiv Independent reported that Ukrainian officials alleged that a “significant” number of missiles had been delayed. At the same time, a NATO spokesperson said aid to Ukraine via the PURL continued, including air-defense systems. A US government spokesperson said Ukraine’s claims were “not accurate.”
The number of Ukrainian interceptors is unknown; the Patriot system is designed to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
Speaking of joint production with Lockheed Martin, which took place Monday, Zelenskyy said, “And we would be very happy to use your license to produce aircraft in Ukraine.”
Rubio Rejects Idea Of Political Motive
“All of this suggests that some political decision has been made to slow down support for us,” President Zelenskyy said Monday when addressing lawmakers, also citing interruptions in intelligence sharing and satellite communications.
“We want to understand what is happening, why it is happening, and where it is going,” Zelenskyy said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the idea on Tuesday in Mumbai, Reuters reports.
“I think the important takeaway is that there has not been some deliberate political directive to go out and harm Ukraine,” Rubio said.
On Monday, Rubio rejected a pause in intelligence sharing. “There has been no pause,” Reuters says.
“What he should be focusing on is bringing an end to this war,” Rubio said.
Zelenskyy responded to the comments on Tuesday: “I am deeply grateful for his readiness to help and his support,” the Associated Press said.
Lawmakers Urge Aid To Ukraine Ahead Of Oslo Meeting
Senators who participated in the Monday conference urged continued support for Ukraine.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, wrote that: “President Zelenskyy is ready for a mutual ceasefire on energy facilities & resources, & civilians, if only Putin will agree. Vicious, bloodthirsty slaughter by Russia’s missiles & drones is intensifying.
“Bipartisan, bicameral support for Ukraine was clear & unequivocal, which we’ll be expressing in upcoming action,” he went on.
Zelenskyy is set to meet with the special envoy of the US, Steve Witkoff, as well as the leaders of the Nordic countries in Oslo on Tuesday.
The agenda of Finnish President Alexander Stubb includes “Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the overall security situation in Europe.”
About the Author: Georgia Gilholy
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
