On 15 September, reports emerged of a potential reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, though not in terms of a complete cessation of hostilities, but in the energy sector. Dmitry Peskov, the Russian President’s press secretary, described the so-called ‘energy truce’ as a ‘very good idea’. This statement came against the backdrop of reports that both sides were prepared to halt attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, as previously mentioned by US President Donald Trump.
Interestingly, just a few days ago, Peskov was sceptical about the idea of a truce proposed by Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkopf and Jared Kushner, during their visit to Moscow. At the time, he stated that Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was its weak point, and that Moscow was not interested in a temporary ceasefire but in a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to agree to such a ceasefire, provided that Russia adheres to the agreements. However, Peskov did not specify whether Russia had changed its position or was prepared to officially support the initiative, but noted that in the event of a truce, the Russian market could become saturated with petroleum products.
The Kremlin spokesperson also emphasised that Russia is already taking measures to stabilise the market by ensuring the security of its energy plants and other facilities. He added that securing safety on maritime trade routes is essential to saturating the global market, something which, he said, Kyiv does not guarantee. He also accused the West, noting that sanctions would need to be lifted for this to happen.
The night of 15 September saw further strikes on energy facilities by both sides in the conflict: Ukraine attacked an oil refinery in Syzran, whilst the Russian military attacked petrol stations in Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the US of undermining the agreements allegedly reached in Anchorage last year. He is convinced that if the US and Europe had adhered to those agreements, the war could already have been over. In Washington, however, officials deny that any specific agreements were reached between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at that meeting. Lavrov added, however, that Moscow is open to resuming peace talks with Ukraine and is prepared to discuss proposals.