Introduction
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a U.S.-brokered moratorium by attacking energy facilities. Both nations have reported these alleged violations to the United States, which facilitated a limited truce last month in hopes of moving toward a full ceasefire.
Context
- Russia's defense ministry claimed that Ukraine launched drone and shelling attacks in the western Kursk region, disrupting power to over 1,500 homes.
- In the Russian-held part of Luhansk, a Ukrainian drone strike on a gas distribution station affected gas access for more than 11,000 customers near Svatove.
Developments
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that a Russian drone struck an energy substation in the Sumy region and that artillery fire damaged a power line in Dnipropetrovsk, cutting electricity to nearly 4,000 consumers.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that President Vladimir Putin's agreement to the energy truce demonstrates his commitment to the peace process, a claim disputed by Kyiv and some European allies.
- Despite daily Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, Peskov stated that Moscow would continue its collaboration with the Americans.
Conclusion
On Tuesday, Zelenskiy accused Russia of breaking the energy truce and urged the U.S. to strengthen sanctions against Moscow. Last month, Ukraine expressed a willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire, but Putin declined, raising concerns about monitoring the ceasefire and fears that Ukraine could use the opportunity to recruit more soldiers and procure additional weapons from the West.