President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day halt in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Although a broader ceasefire was not accepted, both leaders have initiated discussions towards peace, acknowledging concerns about the use of ceasefire by Ukraine to rearm. European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days following a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Kremlin announced this temporary halt in military strikes against energy targets, although Putin did not accept a broader ceasefire proposal backed by the U.S., which Ukraine is prepared to implement.
During the discussions, concerns were raised by Putin regarding the potential misuse of a ceasefire by Ukraine to regroup and enhance its military capabilities while the conflict is at a standstill. He emphasized to Trump that halting foreign military assistance to Ukraine is crucial for resolving the conflict through peaceful negotiations.
The White House stated that the two leaders would initiate talks concerning a maritime truce and a more comprehensive ceasefire. Trump described their dialogue as productive and cooperative, aiming for an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire” alongside discussions about a broader ceasefire in the Black Sea.
Recent Russian attacks on Ukraine have severely impacted energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages. Thousands in central Ukraine experienced electricity disruptions following extensive drone strikes targeting vital facilities. In response, Ukraine has intensified its operations against Russian installations, impacting refining capabilities significantly in recent months.
Analysts suggest that Ukraine is likely to remain cautious, fearing that the proposed limited halt may allow Russia to further entrench its positions without committing to a total ceasefire. Experts note that guarantees are required to prevent Russia from exploiting the pause for military advantage.
In summary, while President Putin has agreed to a 30-day cessation of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, he refrained from endorsing a broader ceasefire. The discussions between Putin and Trump indicate a cautious approach towards peace negotiations. Both parties are aware of the potential for either side to gain an advantage during this pause, prompting Ukraine to remain vigilant. Simultaneously, European nations continue to affirm their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a complete ceasefire and ongoing military assistance.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
