No direct agreements with Russia on energy — Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has not reached any direct agreements with Russia regarding a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure. According to him, if the Russian side refrains from attacking Ukrainian energy facilities, Ukraine will respond in kind.
The head of state made these remarks during a conversation with journalists, reported by Ukrinform.
When asked whether an energy ceasefire had been established for the coming week, Zelensky replied that the topic was raised during talks in Abu Dhabi on 23–24 January by the American side:
"If Russia heard the American signal in the same way as we did, then we will likely see some result and be able to assess it. There are no secrets here. There has been no direct dialogue or direct agreements between us and Russia on this matter."
The President emphasised that the idea of an energy ceasefire is an initiative of the American side and personally of the US President.
"We can consider this a possibility, not an agreement. Whether it will work or not, and how it would work — I cannot tell you yet. We do not have a ceasefire. We do not have an official agreement to halt attacks, as people sometimes arrange during negotiations," Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine will adopt a mirror response to such steps.
"If Russia does not strike our energy facilities — whether generation or other — we will not strike theirs. I think this is the kind of response the mediator of the talks, namely the United States, expected," the President said.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine wants to end the war and is ready for de-escalation measures.
"If Russia does not strike us, we will not take corresponding actions," he concluded.
The President also confirmed receipt of additional Mirage fighter jets.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has stated its readiness for direct talks, and Zelensky has been invited to Moscow.
As previously reported, Zelensky announced the date of new negotiations with Russia. He also questioned at Davos why Maduro is in court while Putin remains free.
