The Ukrainian president attributed the timing of potential peace negotiations with Russia to upcoming US presidential elections, while proposing an end to attacks on energy infrastructure.
According to the Financial Times, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that ending mutual attacks against energy infrastructure could signal Russia’s readiness to negotiate a peace.
Zelenskyy, who spoke to journalists in Kyiv 22 October, said that a positive outcome on energy and freedom-of-navigation would indicate that Russia is ready to end the conflict.
The proposal comes at a time when Ukraine is facing significant challenges. The Russian missile strikes have destroyed nearly half of Ukraine’s power generation capacity. This has forced the country to rely solely on nuclear power plants or imports from Europe.
“We saw at the first [peace] Summit that there could be a resolution on energy security. We don’t attack their energy infrastructures and they don’t attack ours. Could this be the end of the hot phase of the war? Zelenskyy replied, “I think so.”
Ukraine’s military suffered setbacks on the 1,000km frontline despite maintaining control over territory in Russia’s Kursk Oblast after an unexpected offensive.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s willingness for peace negotiations “depends on the US elections first.” He expressed his hope for a more positive reaction following the US vote.
The Ukrainian president denied discussing land-for peace arrangements with Western allies, which would exchange NATO membership in exchange for territories currently under Russian rule.
“Some partners might think about it. “But they don’t communicate this directly to me, but through the media,” said he.
The funds will be used to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian airstrikes against its energy infrastructure. They will finance repairs, spare parts and key equipment, such as transformers, generators, and other equipment.
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