Russia and Ukraine Exchange Accusations over Energy Strikes Agreement Violations

Russia and Ukraine traded accusations on Thursday of violating agreements to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Moscow claimed Kyiv struck energy sites, while Ukraine deemed a recent Russian attack a breach. The White House previously announced plans for mutual respite from such strikes, but claims continue to escalate tensions.
On Thursday, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating agreements regarding attacks on energy facilities, raising concerns for the ongoing war. Moscow charged that Kyiv’s forces directly targeted energy sites, while Ukraine labeled a recent Russian strike that disrupted power for tens of thousands as a breach of the ceasefire terms.
The White House previously indicated that both nations had accepted a framework to implement a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure. Russia’s defense ministry described continued Ukrainian attacks on energy facilities, asserting that drone strikes on a Bryansk electricity site and artillery fire on a power unit took place within a 24-hour period.
Furthermore, the Russian ministry claimed Ukraine targeted a gas storage facility in Crimea with a drone. In response, Ukraine’s army strongly dismissed these allegations as untrue, and a senior Ukrainian official argued that the Russian strike was indeed a violation of the ceasefire.
Pointing to an artillery hit in Kherson that left 67,000 people without power, the official stated, “We qualify this as a clear violation.” This ongoing exchange shows heightened tensions and challenges the feasibility of a truce in energy operations between the two nations.
The accusations between Russia and Ukraine regarding ceasefire breaches illustrate the fragile state of peace efforts amid ongoing conflict. Each side presents claims of violations that complicate their ability to adhere to agreements. The situation remains tense, affecting not only military strategies but also the humanitarian stakes of energy access.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com