Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day halt on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a phone call with US President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
However, Putin stopped short of accepting a broader ceasefire, with the Kremlin emphasizing concerns that Ukraine could use the pause to rearm.
The White House announced that negotiations for a more comprehensive truce would begin immediately, but it remains unclear whether Ukraine will be included in these talks.
President Trump: “My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one…..”
Russia halts strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin has ordered Russian forces to temporarily cease attacks on Ukrainian power plants, gas pipelines, and other critical energy sites.
This comes after months of Russian missile and drone strikes that have severely disrupted Ukraine’s energy supply.
In retaliation, Ukraine has launched drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, disrupting Moscow’s fuel exports.
While the White House welcomed the agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has yet to respond publicly.
Kyiv has maintained that any peace deal must include a complete Russian withdrawal from occupied territories, a stance that clashes with Moscow’s demands for territorial concessions.
Energy infrastructure remains a key battleground
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been a primary target. Key sites impacted include:
- Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Europe’s largest nuclear plant, occupied by Russian forces since March 2022, remains at risk due to ongoing military activity.
- Gas pipelines: Ukraine’s extensive pipeline network has been used by Russian forces in cross-border operations, while drone strikes have disrupted Russian gas exports.
- Russian oil refineries: Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged key Russian refining hubs, briefly knocking out up to 10% of Moscow’s refining capacity in February.
Europe reacts cautiously to US-Russia talks
Trump’s direct negotiations with Putin have raised concerns among European allies, who worry about a shift in US policy.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the halt in strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but insisted that a full ceasefire should follow.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Russia is expanding its military capabilities, signaling that the conflict is far from over.
As peace talks unfold, the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty, energy security, and Western alliances remain in the balance.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that they have been advocating for peace from the start and stressed that any resolution must include Ukraine in the negotiations.
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