The Kremlin has allowed a month-long pause in attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure to expire, marking a significant shift in the ongoing war. Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, confirmed that there have been no new directives from President Putin to extend the moratorium, signaling Moscow’s readiness to resume military pressure amid collapsing peace efforts.
According to Peskov, “The month has indeed passed, but at the present time there have been no other instructions from the supreme commander-in-chief, President Putin.” His comments come after increasing tensions on the international stage and amid diplomatic uncertainty.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that Washington might withdraw from the Russia-Ukraine peace process altogether. Speaking from Paris, where he met with European leaders and Ukrainian officials, Rubio said that the United States is assessing whether the conflict can be resolved diplomatically in the near term.
“If it can, we’re prepared to do whatever we can to facilitate that and make sure it ends in a durable and just way,” Rubio stated. “If not, then I think the president’s probably at a point where he’s going to say, well, we’re done.” His remarks reflect growing frustration in the US over the stalled negotiations and continued aggression from Moscow.
Rubio emphasized that decisions must be made in “a matter of days, not a matter of weeks,” regarding the future of peace talks.
Despite Washington’s fading optimism, European allies continue to push for a ceasefire. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, following discussions in Paris with France, Germany, the US, and Ukraine, reiterated the importance of a united front.
“Unity is our strength,” Lammy said, adding that efforts with allied nations are ongoing to ensure a durable end to the conflict. He also urged Russia to accept an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, a condition Ukraine has already agreed to.
Meanwhile, in a small step forward, Ukraine and the US have signed a memorandum of intent focused on economic cooperation. Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the deal on social media, describing it as a first move toward a broader agreement that would give the US access to Ukrainian mineral resources.
The potential deal also includes an investment fund aimed at rebuilding Ukraine’s war-torn infrastructure. US officials are hopeful that negotiations could lead to a finalized agreement by the end of next week, even as military tensions threaten to overshadow economic diplomacy.
