Kremlin Calls Energetics Weak Spot of Ukraine and Rejects Ceasefire

Russia is not considering the possibility of an energy ceasefire with Ukraine, despite new proposals to mutually halt strikes on energy infrastructure for the winter period. The Kremlin at the same time explicitly calls energy one of the "weak spots" of Ukraine.

This was stated by spokesman for the Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, answering a question about a possible arrangement that would provide for both sides refraining from strikes on energy facilities.

According to Peskov, Moscow is currently not considering such an option. The Kremlin representative simultaneously said that energy infrastructure remains a vulnerable spot for Ukraine, in effect confirming Russia's intention to continue using strikes on energy as a tool of pressure.

The statement came amid renewed discussions of limited de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia before winter. President Volodymyr Zelensky previously said that American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, during their latest trips to Moscow and Kyiv, proposed several new ideas for resuming talks.

In an interview with Axios, Zelensky said that the US is exploring the possibility of arrangements that would allow reducing the intensity of the war before or during winter. Among the directions discussed, he mentioned energy, grain exports, and oil and gas.

The Ukrainian president said that Kyiv is ready to seek a compromise on energy and grain export issues. According to him, the goal of the American initiative is to combine partial de-escalation with a resumption of broader talks.

The topic of energy is especially important on the eve of the heating season. Throughout the full-scale war, Russia has been systematically carrying out massive strikes on Ukrainian power plants, substations, and other energy infrastructure. In autumn and winter such attacks have led to capacity shortages and electricity supply restrictions for the population and businesses.

At the same time, Ukraine is regularly attacking Russian oil infrastructure, including oil refineries and facilities related to petroleum product exports. A mutual refusal from such strikes is considered one of the possible elements of a limited arrangement.

Despite rejecting the energy ceasefire, the Kremlin in recent days continued to declare readiness to resume negotiations. Peskov said that Moscow counts on the continuation of US mediation efforts and allows for a return to a trilateral format involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

Based on materials from: RIA Novosti, Axios