Russia has no intention of discussing a halt or reduction of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, nor ensuring the safety of the grain corridor in the Black Sea. Instead, Moscow plans to continue attacks on civilian sites in Ukraine.
This was stated on Thursday, November 12, by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during his address to participants of the IX summit of the European Political Community in Dublin.
According to the head of state, the Russian side has not demonstrated readiness for agreements that would reduce the intensity of attacks on critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.
Zelensky emphasized that Russia continues to use strikes on civilian targets as a tool of pressure on Ukraine. With winter approaching, attacks on energy facilities, on which the electricity supply of Ukrainian cities depends, pose a particular threat.
Ukraine had previously proposed that the issues of an energy truce and the safety of maritime transport be included in the agenda of trilateral talks involving the United States and Russia, which took place on November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi.
The Ukrainian side insisted on discussing the cessation of strikes on energy and other critical infrastructure, as well as ensuring the operation of the Black Sea route for grain exports.
However, as Zelensky previously reported, the Russian delegation stated that it lacked the authority to make decisions on ceasefire issues, including an energy and maritime truce.
After the talks in Abu Dhabi concluded, the parties did not announce any agreement on halting attacks on energy facilities or restoring safe navigation.
At the same time, the negotiators continued to work on humanitarian issues, primarily the exchange of prisoners of war. Significant differences on political and territorial issues remain.
On November 12, American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks in Moscow with Vladimir Putin. Consultations with the Ukrainian leadership in Dublin are scheduled after that.
Ukraine hopes to receive information from the American side about Moscow's position on the proposals discussed in Abu Dhabi, including possible de-escalation measures and security guarantees.
Zelensky has repeatedly stated Ukraine's readiness for a mutual halt to strikes on energy infrastructure. Kyiv also supports the restoration of safe food exports through the Black Sea, since shipping restrictions affect not only Ukrainian producers but also international grain supplies.
