Ukraine may reach energy truce with Russia this winter, source says
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (Getty Images)
Ukraine and Russia could announce a limited truce this winter. In particular, a mutual pause in strikes on energy infrastructure is being considered, a source familiar with the matter told RBC-Ukraine.
According to the source, the main result of US presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s visits to Moscow is that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is now surrounded not only by "hawks" pushing him to continue the war against Ukraine.
In particular, US representatives, special envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov have opened up the possibility of diplomacy for Putin.
At the same time, any significant diplomatic breakthroughs are unlikely before the Russian State Duma elections, which will take place on September 18–20. After that, a trilateral or even quadrilateral summit involving a number of European countries could take place, most likely in one of the Gulf states.
"Obviously, by winter or during the winter, there is at least a possibility of a limited truce, for example, with no strikes against energy facilities by either side. After that, opportunities for further settlement could emerge," the source said.
According to the source, the main argument used by the American side against Putin’s plans to continue escalating the war was that every previous attempt, including during the winter, failed to produce any practical results for Russia. Ukraine did not break under the pressure, and therefore the same strategy is unlikely to work this time either.
Energy compromises
Today, September 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was ready to seek a compromise with Russia on energy and grain issues.
At the same time, he stressed that it should not be only Kyiv making concessions — Moscow must also be willing to compromise.
Earlier, the Ukrainian president said that the US was considering options for de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia during the winter period. Ideas concerning energy and grain supplies are already being discussed, although Zelenskyy did not disclose any details.
The president made these statements following the first visit to Kyiv by US presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Further details about their visit are outlined in the report by RBC-Ukraine.
