Ukraine and Russia have no direct agreements regarding a mutual cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure facilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement during a meeting with journalists, commenting on rumors of a possible "energy truce."
"There has been no direct dialogue, no direct agreements between us and Russia on ending strikes against energy facilities," the head of state emphasized. According to him, a halt in Russian attacks on Ukrainian power generation could serve as a step toward de-escalation. "If Russia does not strike our energy sector—whether generation or any other part—we will not strike theirs. I think this is the response the mediator, namely the United States, was counting on," the President added.
Zelensky also categorically rejected the possibility of meeting Vladimir Putin in Russia or Belarus, calling such proposals an attempt to avoid genuine negotiations. "It is the same as meeting Putin in Kyiv. I can just as easily invite him to Kyiv; let him come. I am publicly inviting him—if he dares, of course," Zelensky stated.
Regarding the negotiation process in Abu Dhabi, the President did not rule out a change in the date or location for the meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, which had been scheduled for this coming Sunday. Zelensky cited the escalating situation between the U.S. and Iran as a reason for a potential postponement, noting its direct impact on the international context.
The President also focused on internal reforms and defense issues. He outlined three key tasks for Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov: closing the skies against enemy attacks, resolving the issue of forced mobilization (known locally as "busification"), and finalizing the transition to a contract-based army.
Touching on European integration, Zelensky noted that Ukraine will be technically ready for EU membership by 2027. Diplomats plan to open all negotiating clusters by that time. However, Kyiv is insisting on a "fast-track" format, as it anticipates a hybrid war from opponents of Ukrainian membership.
The President also commented on relations with the United States, noting that Ukraine supports 18 out of 20 points in the American peace settlement plan. Regarding secret agreements in Anchorage between the U.S. and Russia, Zelensky confirmed receiving signals that key issues, particularly the situation in Donbas, were being discussed, though the Ukrainian side was not officially informed of the details.
As a reminder, President Donald Trump previously stated that he personally appealed to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to stop the shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. According to the American leader, this refers to a one-week pause during a period of abnormally cold weather.
