Is it worth negotiating energy truce with Russia – Ukraine's intel comments
Photo: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence explains whether it is worth negotiating an energy truce with Russia (Getty Images)
An energy truce with Russia should be discussed together with a general ceasefire, as the energy sector is closely linked to other areas of the economy, states Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) Vadym Skibitskyi during the RBC-Ukraine forum Energy that keeps Ukraine running.
"Each time, starting from 2014–2015, we had many ceasefires that were tied to specific holidays to ensure a halt to hostilities. But I do not recall a ceasefire lasting more than one week," Skibitskyi noted.
He also emphasized that Ukraine does not trust Russia because at any moment there could be either a provocation or a direct strike on facilities that we agreed not to target.
"In general, this so-called energy truce is a complex issue. It must be discussed together with a general ceasefire. Today, the energy sector is so closely connected with everything else that it must be considered in a comprehensive way," added the Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
Energy truce
With US mediation, Ukraine and Russia agreed at the end of March to halt strikes on energy and port infrastructure. The truce came into effect on March 25.
However, Russian forces almost immediately violated the agreement by attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities. In particular, one of the attacks targeted an energy facility in Kherson, leaving 45,000 residents without power.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is providing the United States with all data on Russia’s violations of the ceasefire.
