Ukraine proposes a reciprocal moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined the conditions under which Kyiv might cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. In response to Washington's proposal for de-escalation, the Ukrainian side is demanding a reciprocal halt to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy system. This was reported by Glavcom, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
As preparations for the talks in Abu Dhabi proceed, Ukraine has publicly defined its position on the energy confrontation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with Fox News, stated that the key to ending attacks on Russian oil refining capacity is for Moscow to cease its strikes on critical Ukrainian infrastructure. Alternatively, the Ukrainian side is considering the provision of air defense assets, specifically missiles for Patriot systems, which would help secure the skies.
The mechanism of a reciprocal moratorium
Kyiv’s current strategy is based on reciprocity, as without such constraints, Russia attempts to use the negotiations to cement its own advantages. The experience of October demonstrated the ineffectiveness of unilateral pauses: after the “energy truce” announced by Donald Trump, Ukraine refrained from attacks, but the Russian army responded with massive raids on energy facilities.
Expectations at the negotiating table
Moscow is attempting to portray Ukrainian strikes on refineries as a violation of U.S. peace efforts, seeking security guarantees for its fuel and energy complex without any obligations regarding Ukrainian infrastructure. However, the continuation of operations against Russian oil refining makes the security of energy facilities a matter for dialogue, rather than a gift for the Russian delegation.
Government circles in Kyiv emphasize that oil refining remains the primary financial resource for Russia’s war effort. Therefore, Ukraine’s position remains firm: any agreements in Abu Dhabi must include real mechanisms for verifying reciprocal de-escalation, as otherwise, the Russian side will continue to destroy Ukrainian heating networks and water pipelines.
Photo: t.me/exilenova_plus
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