FT: Putin does not want to agree energy ceasefire before winter
Negotiations on halting attacks on energy infrastructure have been underway for some time, but Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin does not want to reach an agreement before winter.
Source: Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter
Details: Officials directly involved in peace talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia told the FT that a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure has been discussed for some time – initially during trilateral meetings and, after those talks broke down in February, through separate negotiations and informal contacts.
Ukraine has been calling on Russia for several months to agree to a mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure as well as attacks on ports and other critical infrastructure. However, Moscow showed no interest and rejected Kyiv's proposals, instead intensifying its attacks.
According to the FT, a person familiar with Russia's position confirmed that Moscow and Kyiv had resumed talks on a possible energy ceasefire. Meanwhile, officials familiar with the Kremlin's position say that Putin does not want to reach an agreement before winter because he believes attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure could increase pressure on Kyiv and force it to make concessions.
Background:
- On 14 September, US President Donald Trump claimed that Ukraine had agreed not to strike Russian energy facilities.
- He posted this after saying the previous day that he had urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop attacks on Russian diesel fuel infrastructure.
- In early July, Trump said during the public part of his meeting with Zelenskyy that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries were an escalation that could lead to the end of the war.
- Last week, Trump said he had had a "great" conversation with Putin and that the Russian leader wanted to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
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