Zelensky says US has power to compel Russia into genuine energy truce

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States has the power and means to compel Russia to agree to a genuine ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, as diplomatic efforts around a potential truce continue.

Zelensky's comments reflect Kyiv's continued push for US involvement in pressuring Moscow toward concrete commitments on halting strikes against energy facilities, which have repeatedly disrupted Ukraine's power supply during the conflict.

The Ukrainian leader's remarks suggest confidence that Washington retains significant diplomatic and economic leverage over Russia, leverage that Kyiv believes could be used to secure a more durable arrangement than previous, more limited ceasefire attempts.

Energy infrastructure has been a recurring target during the war, with both the scale of destruction and the resulting humanitarian impact, particularly during winter months, drawing international attention and calls for protective measures.

Zelensky did not provide specific details on what concrete steps he believes the US should take to compel Russian compliance, though his comments align with Ukraine's broader strategy of seeking stronger international pressure on Moscow throughout the conflict.

Russian officials have not issued a detailed public response to Zelensky's latest remarks, continuing a pattern of limited public engagement from Moscow on specific ceasefire proposals related to energy infrastructure.

The push for an energy ceasefire comes as part of broader, ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States aimed at reducing the intensity of the conflict, though a comprehensive resolution has so far remained elusive.