Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended his country’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that protecting Ukrainian lives and energy infrastructure must take priority over concerns about rising fuel prices.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needed to respond to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

“Our lives are more important than the price of energy,” Zelenskyy said, according to the Wall Street Journal report.

Zelenskyy Defends Attacks on Russian Oil Facilities

Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries and other energy-related facilities as the war continues.

Zelenskyy argued that the attacks are a response to Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s power and energy infrastructure. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin responds primarily to pressure and that Ukraine cannot simply allow attacks on its critical infrastructure to continue without responding.

The Ukrainian president’s comments come as concerns have grown over the effect of the attacks on global fuel supplies.

Russia was one of the world’s largest diesel exporters before Ukraine’s attacks reduced some of its refining output. Moscow has subsequently restricted most diesel exports in an effort to preserve fuel supplies for its domestic market.

Energy Prices Become a Major Concern

The attacks on Russian refineries have become an increasingly important issue as diesel and other energy prices rise.

The situation has also been affected by disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict involving Iran, adding pressure to global energy markets.

Zelenskyy attributed part of the increase in energy costs to restrictions affecting oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. He nevertheless maintained that Ukraine’s immediate priority is protecting its population and critical infrastructure.

His comments came amid pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for Ukraine to consider limiting attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

Trump and Zelenskyy Discuss Energy Infrastructure

Zelenskyy met Trump in New York during the UN General Assembly and discussed the war, military assistance and possible measures to reduce attacks on energy infrastructure.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Zelenskyy asked Trump for a new “winter package” of military equipment, including additional Patriot air-defense systems and other technologies.

The Ukrainian president also said he expected Washington to support efforts aimed at stopping attacks on energy infrastructure.

French President Emmanuel Macron has separately called for a moratorium on attacks against oil infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine. He has also discussed the possibility of arrangements concerning attacks in the Black Sea.

Ukraine Says It Needs More Air Defense

Zelenskyy’s request for additional military equipment comes as Ukraine prepares for another winter of war.

The Ukrainian government has repeatedly sought additional air-defense systems to protect cities, power stations and other critical infrastructure from Russian missile and drone attacks.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s allies were discussing ways to strengthen its defenses as intelligence indicated Russia could launch another major attack.

In a separate statement reported by Reuters, Zelenskyy said:

“There’s intelligence right now that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine.”

He made the comment after meeting British Prime Minister Andy Burnham during the UN General Assembly.

Russia and Ukraine Continue Reciprocal Strikes

The latest dispute over energy infrastructure comes as Russia and Ukraine continue launching long-range attacks against targets behind each other’s front lines.

On September 22, Ukraine said it had attacked the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region. Ukrainian authorities said the facility was an important supplier of fuel for central Russia.

Russian authorities, meanwhile, reported intercepting hundreds of Ukrainian drones during the same period.

Russia also launched a major overnight attack against Ukraine involving missiles and more than 200 drones, according to Ukrainian authorities. Officials said the strikes killed four people in Dnipro and caused damage in several regions.

Zelenskyy Says Putin Is Not Winning the War

During his interview with the Wall Street Journal, Zelenskyy also discussed the state of the battlefield.

He argued that Russia has not achieved a decisive victory despite continuing its military campaign.

“The situation on the battlefield is not successful for Putin,” Zelenskyy said, according to Reuters.

He added:

“He is not winning, it is true. And he is not losing, it is also true, because for him human losses are not to lose … but his society is losing people.”

Zelenskyy said Putin did not appear to feel sufficient pressure to stop the war.

The comments reflect the Ukrainian government’s position that additional military and economic pressure is necessary to persuade Russia to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Ukraine Has Offered Conditions for an Energy Ceasefire

Zelenskyy has previously said Ukraine would consider stopping attacks on Russian targets if Moscow agreed to stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.

On September 14, he said Ukraine was prepared to support an agreement provided it was reliable, long-term and capable of producing a meaningful effect on civilians.

“Ukraine is not certain that Russia is willing to stick to any agreement,” Zelenskyy wrote at the time.

He added:

“The war must be brought to an end. And a de-escalatory step regarding critical infrastructure could be the first step toward peace. We expect specifics from our partners.”

The issue has therefore become part of wider diplomatic discussions involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States and European governments.

Zelenskyy Seeks Support Ahead of Winter

With another winter approaching, Ukraine faces the challenge of protecting its energy network while dealing with the broader consequences of attacks on Russian energy facilities.

Zelenskyy’s latest comments underline the competing pressures surrounding the conflict: Ukraine wants to maintain its ability to strike Russian military and energy-related targets, while other governments are concerned that disruption to Russian fuel production could contribute to higher global energy prices.

For Zelenskyy, however, the immediate priority remains Ukraine’s ability to protect its population and infrastructure from Russian attacks.

“Our lives are more important than the price of energy,” he said.