Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statement on ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Following the US statement about a possible agreement on an energy ceasefire, Kyiv expects a specific mechanism that will guarantee Russia's compliance with the terms, according to a Telegram post by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the head of state, Ukraine has proposed that its partners secure an agreement with Russia that would allow the destruction of critical infrastructure to be halted. Energy, food supplies, and other areas necessary to meet the basic needs of the population should be protected in particular.
Zelenskyy noted that Russian forces attack Ukrainian energy facilities, port infrastructure, and logistics every day. Warehouses containing food and pharmaceutical products are also among the targets.
At the same time, Ukraine is not certain that Russia is ready to comply with any such agreement.
"If our partners are ready to ensure Russia's genuine willingness not to strike our electricity system, other energy facilities, critical infrastructure, or the movement of food, then, of course, we are ready to ensure a corresponding halt to our strikes," the president said.
According to him, it is important that the agreement be reliable and long-term and genuinely affect people's lives. Kyiv does not want a pause in strikes to last only for a certain period, after which Russia resumes its attacks.
Zelenskyy also warned against a situation in which Moscow uses the agreement to temporarily ease tensions surrounding problems with gasoline and diesel fuel after holding its "elections."
"The war must end. And a de-escalation step regarding critical infrastructure could be the first step toward peace," the head of state emphasized.
The president added that Ukraine expects its partners to provide specifics on a possible mechanism for such an agreement. This primarily concerns how to ensure Russia genuinely fulfills its commitments to halt strikes on critical infrastructure.
Energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine
The issue of a possible energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia has been under discussion for more than one day. On September 8, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was ready to seek a compromise with Russia on energy and grain issues.
On the same day, an informed source told RBC-Ukraine that Ukraine and Russia could agree on a limited ceasefire for the winter, including a mutual halt to strikes on energy facilities.
According to the source, following trips to Moscow by US President's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, there were more opportunities for a diplomatic settlement in the Kremlin.
On September 14, Zelenskyy said he wanted to discuss with US President Donald Trump the possibility of an energy and maritime ceasefire during a potential meeting in New York on September 21-23.
According to him, if Putin does not agree to a full ceasefire, Ukraine will insist on at least a partial ceasefire regarding energy and grain.
Later, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia had allegedly already agreed not to strike energy facilities. According to the US president, Kyiv agreed not to attack Russian energy infrastructure, while Moscow agreed not to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
