On the 11th of October, US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to observe an energy truce, refraining from strikes on energy infrastructure; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted by saying this was news to him, while Moscow remains silent, the BBC reports.When asked whether an agreement on an energy truce had been reached, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, stated that communication is ongoing and the media will be informed as soon as there is something to say.Peskov may not have much to say on the matter, but pro-Kremlin media certainly do. They have dubbed the energy truce a gift to Moscow. The pro-government outlet Moskovsky Komsomolets emphasized that Russia is, of course, the beneficiary of the truce. It implies only that Russia is prevented from destroying Ukraine’s last remaining oil refinery—which is barely functioning anyway. Conversely, Kyiv would no longer be able to attack Russian oil refineries; thus, it is essentially an agreement that favors Moscow, which is why no one has rejected it. In other words, Moscow believes that Trump’s statement has tied Kyiv’s hands, not Moscow’s.In recent months, Ukrainian strikes have caused serious damage to Russian oil refineries and triggered fuel shortages. If the strikes continue, Moscow can be expected to start arguing that Kyiv is harming US economic interests—and, by extension, Republican prospects in the midterm elections. Russian officials will seize the opportunity to claim that the strikes jeopardize Trump’s plans to purchase Russian diesel. Trump has indicated that a deal to buy diesel from Russia would benefit American consumers, though many remain skeptical that the volume offered by Russia could actually impact fuel prices in the US.The Russians would be more than happy if Ukrainian strikes provoked anger in the White House. Moscow would rejoice if Washington stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv and halted arms sales to Europe intended for Ukraine. The Russians were already delighted when Trump began suggesting that Ukraine needed a new president.Zelensky has called for a 60-day general ceasefire to allow presidential elections to be held in Ukraine. What does Moscow say about this? Peskov noted that the Kremlin and the dictator have repeatedly stated that Russians do not want a mere ceasefire but rather a lasting peace, and are ready to do everything possible to achieve it. However, “everything possible” does not include a 60-day ceasefire, a 30-day ceasefire, or anything of the sort. On the 12th of October, the Kremlin suggested a one-day ceasefire for the elections. Neither Ukraine nor Europe considers this a serious proposal. Putin has shown no interest in halting hostilities.Recent statements, speeches, and directives from the Russian dictator indicate that, as winter approaches, Russia is relying on continued strikes to increase pressure on Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukraine does not deserve the respite a ceasefire might provide. While the Kremlin speaks of lasting peace, it continues to wage war. On the 12th of October, Zelensky reported that Russia had launched strikes against several energy infrastructure facilities.The Kremlin’s goal has not changed; it seeks Ukraine’s capitulation. It appears Moscow believes that a deal with Trump regarding diesel sales—combined with the American’s growing impatience with Zelensky—will enable it to achieve its desired outcome.
Trump calls for energy truce; Moscow remains silent
