Ukraine and Russia in talks over halting strikes on energy infrastructure

Ukraine and Russia are engaging in preliminary discussions to halt strikes on each other’s energy facilities, according to sources familiar with the talks. The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, represent a potential step toward de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, which began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Qatar mediated talks resume

The talks are reportedly aimed at reviving negotiations that nearly resulted in an agreement earlier this year but were derailed by Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Senior Ukrainian officials confirmed that Qatar has resumed its role as mediator in the discussions, which now focus on halting strikes on energy infrastructure.

“There are very early talks about potentially restarting something,” a diplomat briefed on the negotiations said. “There’s now a focus on energy facilities.”

Potential for de-escalation

If an agreement is reached, it would represent a significant de-escalation of the war, particularly ahead of the winter months. Both Kyiv and Moscow have reduced attacks on each other’s energy facilities in recent weeks, following an understanding reached between their intelligence agencies, according to senior officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently commented that a deal to protect energy infrastructure could signal a broader willingness by Russia to engage in peace talks. However, progress may be slow, as Moscow has indicated that no formal deal is likely until Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Kursk region.

Energy infrastructure as focal point

Ukraine has faced significant energy challenges, with Russian missile strikes destroying nearly half of its energy generation capacity. The country now relies heavily on nuclear power and energy imports from Europe.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have acknowledged the mutual interest in ceasing attacks on Ukraine’s power grid and Russia’s oil refineries. Despite this, Ukrainian officials confirmed that strikes on Russian energy infrastructure will continue in a bid to pressure Moscow into further negotiations.

Putin’s stance on peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is open to considering “peace agreements based on realities on the ground.” However, he has previously demanded that Ukraine surrender control of certain territories, conditions Kyiv views as unacceptable for any peace negotiations.