Putin Refuses Energy Infrastructure Ceasefire Before Winter, FT Reports

Negotiations on halting strikes against energy infrastructure have been ongoing for some time, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is not willing to reach an agreement before winter sets in, the Financial Times reported, citing officials directly involved in peace talks between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.

Talks Stalled Since February

Officials told the FT that ending energy strikes had been discussed during trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia meetings, and then — after those talks collapsed in February — through separate bilateral contacts and informal channels. Despite these efforts, Kremlin officials have resisted committing to any deal on energy infrastructure before the heating season begins.

Stakes for Ukraine

Ukraine's energy grid has been repeatedly targeted by Russian missiles and drones throughout the war, leaving millions of civilians without heat and electricity during winter months. Analysts say Putin may be using the threat to infrastructure as leverage in broader ceasefire negotiations, calculating that energy pressure will compel Kyiv to accept unfavorable terms before the cold season.