Russia silent on US-proposed energy ceasefire, says Zelenskyy

Russia has not officially responded to the so-called “energy ceasefire,” proposed earlier by the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel.

Zelenskyy emphasised that instead of confirming a willingness to engage, Kyiv continues to face new attacks from Russian forces, Caliber.Az reports.

“We have not received any response from the Russians regarding the energy ceasefire. On the contrary, we have received it in the form of drone and missile attacks. This indicates that they are not yet ready for the energy ceasefire proposed by the American side in Abu Dhabi. 

Regarding the meeting in Miami or Abu Dhabi—why ‘or’? Because the American side suggested holding it next week in Miami, which we immediately confirmed. We were awaiting a response from the Russians. So far, as I understand, Russia is hesitating. Whether the proposal concerns the Middle East or America, we are ready. It doesn’t matter to us whether the meeting is in Miami or Abu Dhabi. The main thing is to achieve results,” Zelenskyy said.

Russia’s aerial campaign has repeatedly focused on Ukraine’s power grid, with forces launching hundreds of drones and missiles at energy transmission lines, substations and generation facilities, causing widespread blackouts and forcing nuclear plants to cut output.

Just before and during the peace talks in Abu Dhabi, on 7 February, Russia launched one of its largest airstrike campaigns of the war, firing hundreds of drones and missiles that hit power plants, residential buildings, and infrastructure across several Ukrainian regions, intensifying the winter energy crisis.

After that attack, Ukrainian officials reported that thermal plants and substations were struck repeatedly, forcing nuclear plants to reduce output and leaving many areas with limited electricity and heat, prompting Ukraine to boost Kyiv’s air defences.

By Jeyhun Aghazada