The Kremlin has described «a very good idea» US President Donald Trump’s proposal for an energy truce between Ukraine and Russia. This was stated on 15 September by Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov. At the same time, Moscow stated that this was not enough to stabilise the energy markets. Peskov linked a possible de-escalation to the safety of merchant shipping, in particular oil tankers, and the lifting of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
- The Kremlin has backed Trump’s idea of an energy truce.
- Moscow is calling for the safety of merchant shipping.
- Peskov also called for the sanctions against the Russian Federation to be lifted.
- The resumption of Russian gas supplies to Europe will depend on whether it is in Moscow’s interests.
Peskov described Trump’s idea as «very good»
Commenting on Trump’s proposal, Peskov stated that the Kremlin is in favour of the idea of a mutual ceasefire regarding attacks on energy facilities.
«Overall, we certainly think this is a very good idea, a good initiative,» said Peskov.
He added that Moscow is in contact with the US and plans to continue discussions on this issue.
Trump previously said., that Ukraine and Russia had allegedly agreed not to attack each other’s energy facilities. However, neither Kyiv nor Moscow has formally confirmed such an agreement.
The Kremlin is demanding guarantees for shipping and the lifting of sanctions
According to Peskov, the mere fact that strikes on oil refineries have ceased will not resolve the global problems with fuel prices.
He stated that it is necessary to ensure safe merchant shipping, particularly for oil tankers.
Peskov accused Ukraine of allegedly being unwilling to guarantee such security. The Russian side also stated that not only Russian but also foreign vessels are coming under attack.
The Kremlin stated that the lifting of sanctions was the second condition.
«Of course, the sanctions must be lifted. These are unlawful restrictions on the supply of energy resources to the rest of the world,» said Peskov.
According to him, only then, in Moscow’s view, will it be possible to increase supplies of petroleum products and stabilise global prices.
Ukraine is prepared to agree to a ceasefire only if Russia provides guarantees
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy He had previously stated that Ukraine was prepared to support an energy ceasefire if the US could guarantee that Russia was genuinely prepared to halt its attacks and move towards ending the war.
Zelenskyy emphasised that there is no formal agreement as yet, and that Kyiv needs a reliable mechanism to monitor its implementation.
Despite talk of a possible de-escalation, strikes on energy infrastructure continued. On 15 September, Russia again attacked targets in Ukraine, whilst Ukrainian forces carried out strikes on a Russian oil refinery in Syzran.
The Kremlin has also spoken of resuming gas supplies to Europe
Peskov also commented on the possibility of Russian gas returning to the European market.
According to him, Moscow will only consider resuming supplies on two conditions: if this is economically beneficial to Russia and provided it has spare gas volumes available for export. Peskov noted that part of Russia’s gas volumes had already been redirected to other markets.
The Kremlin is thus attempting to link a possible energy truce not only to a cessation of attacks, but also to broader issues concerning sanctions, maritime transport and the future of Russian energy exports.
