US should respond to Russia's violations of energy ceasefire - Ukrainian official
Photo: Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Office of the President (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine expects the US to respond to Russian strikes on energy infrastructure during the ceasefire. Such a response could be comprehensive, states Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
In Podolyak's view, Russia, in the context of its dealings with the US, is using the "let's promise more" tactic. This specifically refers to Moscow's promise to cease attacks on energy infrastructure.
"At the same time, they strike, and meanwhile, they say 'we’re not hitting,' blaming Ukraine," he added.
The adviser to the head of the Office of the President also expressed hope that the US would respond to Russia's strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
"Undoubtedly, the US should respond to this. And I think it will be a comprehensive response overall. Because the Russians are not ready to adhere to such a simple first step — not to strike specific energy facilities," he emphasized.
Podolyak believes that the US was also "surprised" by Russia's political demands to unblock the possibility of inspecting merchant ships for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.
"The Russians have been pushed into the Novorossiysk base, they are afraid to leave it, and now they offer, 'let’s have you guarantee that we will go out,' and they will inspect Ukrainian grain carriers. Why is that? This inadequacy, obviously, is already shocking our American colleagues," he added.
The official stressed that now the US needs to shift from a "carrot policy" to a "stick policy."
Energy ceasefire
The energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia came into effect on March 25. Since then, Russia has violated it several times.
In particular, Russian forces have shelled energy infrastructure facilities in Kherson at least twice. Some residents have experienced power outages.
