Zelenskyy Sets Condition for Halting Strikes on Russian Energy Infrastructure.

Statement by Volodymyr Zelenskyy

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine is prepared to mutually cease attacks on energy infrastructure if Russia stops its own strikes on Ukrainian facilities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced. He emphasized that Kyiv remains open to agreements concerning both energy and food security. This signals the Ukrainian leadership's intent to de-escalate the conflict in this specific area. The proposal comes amid ongoing hostilities that have repeatedly targeted critical infrastructure on both sides.

Zelenskyy stated: 'If Russia is ready to stop hitting Ukraine's energy sector, we will not retaliate against theirs. We are ready...'

This declaration has become a key element in discussions about potential bilateral agreements. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military operations continue. On the night of March 20–21, Ukrainian Armed Forces struck the Saratov Oil Refinery, which processed at least 4.8 million tons of oil as of 2023.

• On March 12, SBU drones attacked an oil hub in the Krasnodar Krai region, triggering a massive fire and halting operations at the facility.
• On March 16 and 17, Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out strikes on two strategic aviation enterprises in Russia.

These actions demonstrate that Ukrainian forces remain actively engaged in combat, despite public statements about a potential cessation of attacks.

Qatar's Role in Negotiations

A significant aspect of the discussions involves Qatar's mediation role regarding security issues and the return of prisoners. While the specifics of this involvement have not yet been disclosed, it could prove pivotal in future talks between Ukraine and Russia, particularly concerning a possible ceasefire.

President Zelenskyy's statement reflects Ukraine's efforts to pursue a diplomatic solution amid an ongoing conflict. At the same time, active military operations by Ukraine indicate that negotiations may be taking place under conditions of high tension. Qatar's role as a mediator could become an important factor in finding a compromise, though the outcomes of such efforts remain uncertain.