Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed the country’s readiness to engage in a possible energy ceasefire with Russia, provided certain conditions are met. During a recent press conference, Zelensky confirmed that the topic of an energy ceasefire was raised but did not provide extensive details.
“If they [the Russians] do not wish for us to attack their oil refineries and so forth, we are ready. If they refrain from attacking our energy systems, electric and heat supply, and water supply — that is, you do not attack this, we will not attack this. We are prepared for any format of energy ceasefire. If we agree not to attack energy facilities, we will uphold that across the board,” Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian president added that this proposal will be communicated to the Russians through American intermediaries. He noted uncertainty regarding Russia’s stance on the issue, recalling that previous negotiations had not resulted in Russia providing a list of energy facilities to cease attacks on. However, he expressed hope that the U.S. could facilitate some form of negotiations with Russia.
Context
- On September 13, former President Trump urged Ukraine to stop destroying diesel fuel in Russia, suggesting it harms global interests. The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s remarks.
- The following day, President Biden indicated that Ukraine and Russia had tentatively agreed to refrain from mutual attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky remarked that the discussions could encompass halting strikes on energy facilities, port infrastructure, logistics, food, and pharmaceutical storage. He noted that Ukraine is awaiting specific proposals from its partners.
- According to the Financial Times, as of September 14, a final agreement on halting strikes was still in preparation.
- On September 15, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to pursue an energy ceasefire with Russia, emphasizing differing interpretations of “energy” between Moscow and Kyiv. “For [illegitimate President of Russia Vladimir] Putin, energy means selling oil and gas. For us, energy means having electricity for our people,” he explained.
- Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy stated on September 16 that Ukraine is ready for an energy ceasefire and is awaiting a concrete list of energy facilities from Russia to finalize details.
