Zelensky: Some allies asked Kiev to stop attacks on Russian oil

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said some of Kiev's allies have asked Ukraine to reduce attacks on Russian energy facilities as global oil prices continue to rise, CNN reports.

"Recently, after the global energy crisis, we have indeed received signals from some of our partners that we should moderate our responses aimed at the oil and energy sector of the Russian Federation," Zelensky said in a voice message sent to reporters.

The Ukrainian leader did not specify who made the request, but he made it clear that Kiev would likely not act on it.

"I emphasize once again: if Russia is ready to stop attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, we will not retaliate with attacks on its energy sector," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is "ready for any ceasefire."

Russia has been conducting a major bombing campaign across Ukraine for months, leaving millions of civilians without electricity and heating during an unusually cold winter.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure since the start of the Middle East war, seeking to prevent Russia from profiting from higher oil prices. In the past week alone, Ukrainian drones have hit several Russian refineries and export terminals.