Russia halting attacks on energy infrastructure and cargo ships may lead to peace talks – Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the cessation of air attacks on energy facilities by both Russia and Ukraine could pave the way for de-escalation and the end of the hot phase of the war.

Financial Times reports this.

The head of the Ukrainian state emphasized that such a step in the direction of stopping attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and cargo ships could be the beginning of peace negotiations.

In discussing possible ways to end the war, he noted that an agreement on non-attack on energy facilities would be an essential prerequisite for de-escalating the war.

Zelensky also responded to questions about Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, saying that ending mutual strikes on energy infrastructure would help both sides find a peaceful solution.

"We saw during the first [peace – ed.] summit that there could be a solution to energy security. In other words, we don't attack their energy infrastructure facilities; they don't attack ours. Could this lead to the end of the hot phase of the war? I think so," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian President also categorically denied any discussions with his Western partners regarding the "land for peace" agreement, which would have included Ukraine's accession to NATO in exchange for giving up territories seized by Russia.

"Apparently, some partners may think about it. But they do not communicate this directly through me, but rather through the media. In all discussions, we now raise the issue of security guarantees, and the strongest of all is NATO," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.

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It should be noted that Zelensky, during a trip to four EU countries on October 10, emphasized that Ukraine does not consider the possibility of a ceasefire to obtain security guarantees from Western countries. Any reports of such concessions spread in the media may be part of Russia's information campaign.

Even earlier, the Financial Times published information about alleged discussions between Ukraine and Western countries about the possibility of exchanging territories for NATO membership or security guarantees. Ukraine's official representatives have repeatedly denied these claims, stressing that such claims are false and spread to destabilize the situation.

In turn, the Kremlin declared that Ukraine's desire to force Russia to make peace was a "fatal mistake."

"It is impossible to force Russia to make peace. Russia is a supporter of peace, but only on the condition of ensuring its security and achieving the objectives set before the so-called special military operation. Without fulfilling these objectives, it is impossible to force Russia," Peskov replied.

Putin's spokesman called it a big mistake and once again threatened the consequences for the Ukrainian authorities.