diff --git a/pgxn/neon/walproposer_pg.c b/pgxn/neon/walproposer_pg.c
index 265a5561ad..5474c4d339 100644
--- a/pgxn/neon/walproposer_pg.c
+++ b/pgxn/neon/walproposer_pg.c
@@ -163,7 +163,8 @@ WalProposerMain(Datum main_arg)
 
 	if (*wal_acceptors_list == '\0')
 	{
-		elog(PANIC, "Safekeepers list is empty");
+		wpg_log(WARNING, "Safekeepers list is empty");
+		return;
 	}
 
 	init_walprop_config(false);