Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, announced on Wednesday after meeting with Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, in New York that both Ukraine and Russia are interested in a limited ceasefire regarding grain and energy-related objectives.
Concerns of Ukraine
Ukraine, concerned about Russian attacks on energy and heating facilities in the upcoming winter, has called for ceasefires regarding energy infrastructure and maritime transport in the Black Sea. Rubio stated in this regard: "It seems that both sides have expressed interest in a limited ceasefire that includes grain and energy. However, this will not be easy."
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Challenges Ahead
Russia has not publicly shown any signs of readiness to agree on a maritime or energy ceasefire with Ukraine, and it is unclear whether Rubio mentioned any progress in this area after his discussions with Lavrov. Meanwhile, energy attacks are at the heart of both countries' tactical priorities in their five-year war.
World leaders have traveled to New York this week for the annual debate of the United Nations General Assembly. Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, who was scheduled to address the General Assembly later on Wednesday, met with Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on Tuesday and stated that they discussed a ceasefire regarding energy-related objectives during this meeting.
Zelensky said at the Ukraine Crimea Platform meeting ahead of the Security Council session on Russia's war in Ukraine: "We are waiting for Russia's response. Ukraine is ready to ensure safe transport and food security in the Black Sea if Russia is also willing to take real steps towards de-escalation. We need to start somewhere."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told the Security Council that France supports stopping attacks on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea as a first step towards de-escalation.
Before the meeting between Lavrov and Rubio, the Kremlin announced that there is no basis for broad peace negotiations in Ukraine, but it remains open to such discussions. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated: "Currently, there are no preconditions for moving towards a peace negotiation path, although we as the Russian side remain open to peace negotiations."
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