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Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Energy Infrastructure Strikes Resume
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not extended the moratorium on strikes targeting Ukraine’s crucial energy infrastructure. This development coincides with fading optimism for a ceasefire potentially brokered by former US President Donald Trump. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a possible shift in US strategy regarding Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations following discussions in Paris aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Rubio suggested Washington might “move on” if tangible progress towards a peace agreement is not achieved in the immediate future.
Moratorium on Energy Strikes Ends
Following Rubio’s remarks, Peskov clarified, “The month has indeed elapsed, but currently, no further directives have been issued from the supreme commander-in-chief, President Putin.” Despite the prior pause on attacks against energy facilities, Moscow has consistently launched assaults on civilian areas within Ukraine, including strikes occurring overnight on Good Friday.
Diplomatic Engagements in Paris
Secretary Rubio was in Paris on Thursday engaging in dialogues with delegations from the UK, EU, and Ukraine, as well as holding a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
US Seeks Swift Resolution or Shift in Approach
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Economy Minister disclosed the signing of a memorandum between the US and Ukraine, marking a preliminary step toward a previously stalled minerals agreement. Departing from Paris, Rubio informed reporters about the US administration’s urgency to determine “very soon, and I’m talking about a matter of days, not weeks” whether a resolution to the conflict is attainable.
US Commitment to Peace and Potential Alternatives
Rubio elaborated, “If it can, we stand ready to exert every effort to facilitate and ensure that it concludes in a sustainable and just manner. Should it prove unfeasible, if our positions remain irreconcilable and progress is unattainable, then I believe the President is likely to conclude that further engagement is unwarranted.”
He reiterated the urgency, stating, “We must ascertain imminently, within a matter of days, whether a short-term resolution is viable. If not, I anticipate a shift in our approach.”
Stalled Peace Talks and International Diplomacy
Discussions regarding a potential peace have encountered setbacks following Moscow’s rejection of a ceasefire proposal previously endorsed by both the US and Ukraine last month.
Concurrently, the UK and France have been actively pursuing the formation of a coalition of nations prepared to uphold a truce, should one be established.
UK Foreign Secretary Mr Lammy, after the Paris meetings, emphasized that “unity is our strength.”
“Today’s engagements with France, the US, Ukraine, and Germany underscore our collective dedication to global security,” he stated.
He further added, “We are diligently collaborating with allies to secure an enduring peace in Ukraine.”
“Russia must consent to an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire, mirroring Ukraine’s commitment.”
Ukraine-US Economic Partnership
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced via a post on X the signing of a memorandum of intent with the US, concerning an economic partnership agreement between the two nations.
This memorandum represents an initial step towards an agreement that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. Ms. Svyrydenko indicated that a finalized agreement would also incorporate an investment fund dedicated to Ukraine’s reconstruction. US officials have expressed optimism that an agreement could be finalized by the end of the following week.