The US is seeking an agreement between Ukraine and Russia on a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to him, both sides have expressed an interest in such a limited arrangement, but no agreement is currently in place. Kyiv is prepared to join, provided that Russia ceases its attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
Briefly about the main points
- Washington is proposing that energy facilities be mutually exempted from attacks.
- Rubio reported that the parties were interested, but did not mention any agreement.
- Kyiv is demanding an end to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
- US representatives are to convey Ukraine’s proposal to Moscow.
The US proposal concerns sites on both sides
The US proposal stipulates that Ukrainian energy facilities and the Russian energy sector will not be targeted. Rubio. He emphasised that this would require the agreement of Kyiv and Moscow, and that reaching such an agreement would not be easy.
The Secretary of State noted that such a limited approach would not resolve all the problems caused by the war, but could mitigate some of its consequences. He also believes that the war should be brought to an end through negotiations between the parties.
Kyiv is ready for a mutual cessation of hostilities
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was ready to energy truce following a meeting with the US President Donald Trump 22 September. Kyiv’s condition is that Russia cease its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
According to Zelenskyy, US representatives are to convey this proposal to Moscow. Reuters reported that the issue had been discussed in diplomatic talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia, but that Moscow had not shown any willingness to halt the air strikes.
Rubio. He confirmed separately that the energy truce is not yet in force. At present, it is a diplomatic proposal for a mutual restriction on attacks, rather than a ceasefire.
