Kremlin Accuses Ukraine of Sabotaging Peace Talks with Energy Facility Attacks
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Synopsis
Russia has labeled Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities in Kuban as sabotage aimed at disrupting peace initiatives by Putin and Trump. The Kremlin points to a lack of reciprocation from Kyiv, while Ukraine claims it will cease attacks if a suitable agreement is reached.
Key Takeaways
- Russia condemns Ukrainian attacks on energy sites.
- Kremlin asserts these actions undermine peace talks.
- Ukraine offers to cease strikes if an agreement is reached.
- Trump and Putin emphasize the need for a ceasefire.
- Discussions on peace will commence in the Middle East.
Moscow, March 19 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Russia condemned the Ukrainian strikes on power infrastructure in the Kuban region, characterizing them as acts of vandalism intended to thwart the peace efforts put forth by President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, stated to local media in Moscow, "Information has been extensively circulated about the directive from the Russian President, the Supreme Commander-in-chief of Russia, to halt strikes against Ukrainian power infrastructure for a duration of 30 days starting from when these attacks were initiated. The Kyiv regime has made no efforts to cancel them. Consequently, such actions clearly contradict our joint endeavors."
In a related development, Ukraine asserted its willingness to adhere to a cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, contingent on a suitable agreement being established during the upcoming technical discussions with the United States in Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that "energy facilities" and "infrastructure facilities" must be included in the list of sites subject to the ceasefire.
Zelensky also noted the necessity for establishing a mechanism to oversee adherence to the ceasefire.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart engaged in a phone conversation, underscoring the importance of peace and a ceasefire to resolve the conflict with Ukraine.
Trump and Putin concurred that the path to peace would initiate with a halt to hostilities regarding energy and infrastructure, in addition to technical negotiations concerning a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a full ceasefire, and lasting peace. These discussions are set to commence promptly in the Middle East, as indicated in a statement following their call.
However, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that Kyiv continued its drone strikes on energy facilities in the Krasnodar Region, describing it as a "premeditated provocation" aimed at undermining peace efforts.
Peskov remarked, "We regret to observe that, thus far, there has been no reciprocation from the Kyiv regime. Attempts to assault our energy infrastructure facilities continue, as you are aware. Relevant information is accessible."
