Zelenskyy: Putin personally opposes halting strikes on energy infrastructure
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
The issue of an energy ceasefire was raised during talks in Abu Dhabi, but no agreement was reached. The Russian side said it did not have a mandate to make such decisions and suggested addressing the matter directly with the head of the Kremlin, according to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to journalists.
According to the president, the Russian side showed no willingness to agree to a so-called energy ceasefire. During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, Russian representatives explained that they did not have a mandate to make such a decision.
At the same time, other possible ceasefire arrangements were not discussed in detail either. The Russians told the Ukrainian team, "Take it up with (Russian leader Vladimir – ed.) Putin."
"Our team responded, 'That's exactly why we proposed that if Putin makes all the decisions, then let's hold a meeting between the leaders,'" Zelenskyy said.
Ultimately, the parties agreed that the US team would travel to meet Putin to discuss the issue.
"That is where things stand for now. Putin himself does not support a ceasefire," the president concluded.
Ukraine had proposed that Russia stop striking energy infrastructure, but Moscow rejected the idea. On November 3, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Kyiv allegedly needed a temporary ceasefire only to rebuild its military capabilities, while Russia insisted on addressing the so-called "root causes of the crisis."
The issue of an energy ceasefire was raised again during talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11. However, the Russian delegation refused to discuss halting strikes on energy infrastructure.
