Energy Truce And Unblocking Agricultural Exports: Zelenskyy Names Ukraine’s Conditions For De-Escalation

Ukraine is prepared to engage in discussions about an energy truce with Russia, but it must encompass a complete cessation of attacks on energy facilities and the unblocking of agricultural exports, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with CBS. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine never initiates attacks and only responds to Russian aggression, emphasizing that Putin lacks respect for the weak and will not consider negotiations with them.

He further explained that for Russia, energy primarily serves as a financial resource from oil and gas sales, whereas for Ukraine, it is essential for providing citizens with basic necessities like light and heat. Zelenskyy underscored the importance of food security as part of any potential de-escalation, insisting that the blockade on agricultural exports must be lifted to address food security concerns for people in other continents.

He noted that Russia possesses up to 70 million tons of agricultural products for sale, while Ukraine aims to export around 30 million tons. This is in Ukraine's interest as well, given that restrictions on oil sales and transportation already result in annual budget losses exceeding $100 billion for Russia, projected to rise to $150 billion by 2026.

Zelenskyy emphasized that if Russia claims its intention to refrain from attacking specific facilities, it must clearly specify this list during negotiations, as de-escalation can only occur if there is genuine political will to end the war.