Information regarding potential negotiations between Russia and Ukraine about a mutual cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure is merely a rumor, and Russia will not agree to this as it does not know how to conduct warfare any other way. This was stated by Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the President's Office, in a comment to the YouTube channel RBC-Ukraine, addressing a recent publication by the FT on this topic.
He pointed out that this is not the first time he has heard about supposed negotiations mediated by Qatar regarding a halt to strikes on energy facilities. However, Podolyak noted that a counter-question should be posed - is it even possible for the Russian Federation to voluntarily cease such strikes, especially when only intentions to escalate the war are being announced?
Considering the type of war that Russia is waging and the fact that this strategy is a key element of psychological pressure on both Ukraine and its partners, he emphasizes that a cessation of strikes from the Russian side is certainly unlikely.
Podolyak finds the logic behind such statements to be "strange."
"I have always found it puzzling what logic they base this on. Why should Russia abandon the type of warfare it is conducting if it does not know how to fight any other way?" he stressed.
When asked if anyone needs such a rumor, Podolyak replied: "Yes, they do," and warned that such rumors will only continue.
De-escalation of the War with Russia
As reported by UNIAN, during the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, Western media stated that in the summer, Ukraine and Russia planned to discuss a mutual cessation of attacks on energy facilities.
Today, the Financial Times again reported that Kyiv and Moscow are negotiating a mutual cessation of airstrikes on energy infrastructure. At the same time, journalists noted that Vladimir Putin may not agree to such terms while Ukrainian forces are present in the Kursk region.
The Kremlin also denied the information about possible negotiations, labeling it as a "rumor."