Zelensky warns Russia of consequences if energy truce talks fail
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine would retaliate with painful strikes if an energy truce isn't agreed upon before winter. He emphasized the need for de-escalation steps and robust diplomacy, suggesting Chinese President Xi Jinping could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes as Ukraine and its allies race to secure limited agreements on energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping.
Why it matters
This warning signals a potential escalation of the conflict's energy dimension during winter, impacting civilian infrastructure and global energy markets, while highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts and the role of international actors in seeking de-escalation.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday. Mike Segar/Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Moscow at the United Nations on Wednesday that Ukraine would strike back and make the coming winter deeply painful for Russia, if the two sides cannot agree a truce on energy attacks before the cold sets in.
Ukraine and its allies are racing to secure limited agreements on energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping before winter, fearing renewed Russian strikes on power and heating facilities, while Moscow continues to show little interest in wider negotiations to end the war.
“Ukrainians understand that this winter could be very harsh for us. But in response, we will have no choice but to make it painful for Russia too,” Zelensky told the UN General Assembly during the annual gathering of world leaders in New York.
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