Putin’s Order Not to Strike Ukraine’s Energy Targets Still ‘In Force,’ Says Kremlin
Despite ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the Kremlin insists that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order not to target such facilities remains in effect. The statement comes amid renewed accusations from Kyiv that Moscow has repeatedly violated this directive. The controversy escalated after a Russian energy facility near the border with Ukraine, which previously pumped gas to Europe, was set on fire in an attack that both countries blamed on each other.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed the existence of Putin’s order during a press briefing on Friday. "Everyone can see how much we can trust the word of Zelensky and the word of other representatives of the Kyiv regime," Peskov said, dismissing Ukraine’s claims. He added, "The Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s order is in force, and the Russian armed forces are refraining from strikes on energy facilities." His comments were intended to reinforce the notion that Russia is acting in accordance with Putin’s directive, despite the latest accusations.
The Russian president issued a temporary, 30-day halt on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure earlier this week. The decision came after a telephone conversation with former US President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his ability to bring an end to the ongoing war. While the Kremlin’s official stance is that the directive is still being observed, Ukrainian officials have disputed this claim.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the Kremlin’s remarks by stating that Russia has continued to strike Ukrainian energy facilities despite Putin’s supposed restraint. "Nothing has changed, despite Putin’s words," Zelensky said on Thursday. His statement reflects growing skepticism in Kyiv over Russia’s commitment to its own ceasefire-like measures, especially given past instances where agreements were allegedly violated.
The dispute over the targeting of energy infrastructure is a significant issue in the broader context of the war. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian energy facilities have frequently been targeted, leading to widespread power outages and infrastructure damage. These attacks have had devastating consequences for Ukraine’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens, especially during harsh winter months.
Russia’s previous missile campaigns against Ukraine’s energy grid have been widely condemned by the international community, with many Western nations accusing Moscow of using energy as a weapon in the conflict. The recent claim that Russia is now refraining from targeting energy facilities suggests a shift in strategy, although Ukraine’s leadership remains unconvinced.
The incident involving the burning of a Russian energy facility near the Ukrainian border adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The facility, which was used to pump gas to Europe before the war disrupted normal trade routes, was set ablaze overnight. Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the attack. Moscow claims that Ukrainian forces launched a strike on the facility as part of an ongoing effort to destabilize energy supplies in the region. Meanwhile, Kyiv insists that Russia may have staged the attack as a pretext for further military escalation.
With tensions running high, diplomatic efforts continue in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Delegations from both Russia and Ukraine are set to meet with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday for discussions on the war. The meeting is expected to cover a range of issues, including the possibility of a broader ceasefire agreement and the future of negotiations between the two nations.
Trump’s involvement in discussions related to the conflict has added another dimension to the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The former US president has repeatedly claimed that he could bring an end to the war if re-elected. His phone conversation with Putin earlier this week reportedly played a role in the Russian leader’s decision to issue the temporary order to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. While details of their conversation have not been disclosed, Trump’s influence over the situation is being closely watched by global leaders.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains tense. Ukraine has continued its counteroffensive operations against Russian forces, attempting to reclaim occupied territories. Meanwhile, Russia has reinforced its defensive positions and carried out targeted strikes against Ukrainian military assets. The ongoing war of words between Moscow and Kyiv over energy infrastructure attacks only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict’s future trajectory.
The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia may offer a chance for both sides to find common ground, but skepticism remains high. Previous negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have failed to yield lasting agreements, with both nations accusing each other of violating past commitments. While the Kremlin insists that Putin’s order remains in force, actions on the battlefield will ultimately determine whether any real change in strategy has taken place.
For now, the world continues to watch as the war in Ukraine enters another critical phase. The controversy surrounding energy infrastructure strikes underscores the broader challenge of maintaining stability in a conflict that has already caused immense destruction and human suffering. Whether diplomatic efforts will lead to meaningful progress remains to be seen, but the latest developments highlight the fragile nature of the ongoing situation.
As Russia and Ukraine prepare for their next round of discussions, the stakes remain high. The war has already reshaped global geopolitics, disrupted energy markets, and led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Any sign of progress in negotiations will be closely monitored, but trust between the two sides remains low. Until tangible actions reflect official statements, doubts will persist regarding the Kremlin’s claims that Putin’s order is being upheld.