Russia has announced a limited ceasefire for attacks targeting the energy sector and infrastructure, with the possibility of extending this measure to hostilities in the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described this Russian stance as a sign that Moscow is not ready to end the war and anticipated that the Kremlin could demand additional conditions to stop the fighting.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed to initiate a peace process with Ukraine, starting with a partial ceasefire that will initially focus on infrastructure and energy. Moscow conditioned this agreement on halting military assistance to Kyiv as a prerequisite for signing a definitive treaty.
According to a summary of the phone conversation released by the White House, the process, which will require the consent of the Ukrainian government, will also include technical negotiations to implement a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a complete cessation of hostilities, and a lasting peace. The Kremlin reported that Putin positively evaluated Washington's proposal to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure and issued the corresponding order to Russian forces.
Zelensky expressed willingness to consider the ceasefire proposal agreed upon between Russia and the U.S., although he mentioned the need to review the details discussed in the call between Trump and Putin. The Ukrainian president expressed in a virtual press conference his perception that the conditions imposed by Russia aim to weaken Ukraine and stated that the Russians are not prepared for a true ceasefire.
A week ago, Ukraine accepted a total ceasefire proposed by the U.S. for a period of 30 days.
