NEWSBRIEF: RUSSIA.
- A Washington-led ceasefire deal that seeks to stop the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine was reached by both parties.
- In the deal there’s the Russia-Ukraine energy strike ceasefire which sought to stop strikes on civilian energy infrastructure.
- Also, the pause of attacks in the Black Sea.
- The ceasefire is to last for 30 days and started on March 18.
- The 30 days ceasefire on energy and sea is just a prerequisite to a total ceasefire but will be enacted gradually by first re-building trust between Washington and Moscow.
- The 30 day pause can be extended.
Russia and Ukraine agreed on a ceasefire on energy and sea targets, but how is it going so far?
On Wednesday, March 26, Russia accused Ukraine of breaching the ceasefire agreement agreed upon by the two neighbors on easing attacks on energy infrastructure. The Russia’ Ministry of Defense announced that Ukraine had targeted three regions with drones which targeted civilian energy infrastructures.
Regions Targeted with Drones
The regions which were targets included, Kursk, Crimea and Bryansk regions.
Of these included Glebovskoye gas storage facility, PJSC Rosseti Center where power was interrupted and PAO Rosseti Center which also resulted in power disconnection, leaving the residents without electricity.
Energy Facilities Covered by the Ceasefire Deal
On March 25, the Kremlin published a list of facilities which were covered by the moratorium that was agreed upon by Russia and United States, both in Ukraine and Russia.
These include:
- Nuclear power plants
- Hydroelectric dams
- Oil refineries
- Oil & gas pipelines, storage facilities and pumping stations
- Electricity generation & transmission infrastructure inclusive of power plants, substations, transformers & distribution facilities
What Ukraine is Saying
Kyiv has accused Russia of violating the agreement at least 8 times since March 18.
Ukrainian president’s adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, has accused Russia of spreading lies and propaganda in the claim that Russia’s Putin ordered the halt of any strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
He claims that Ukraine shoots down almost a hundred attack drones every day, many of which were “likely targeting other energy facilities.”
Zelensky has also accused Moscow of manipulating the agreements reached in Saudi Arabia.
What’s at Stake
The ceasefire can be extended through mutual agreement, but in the event of a violation by either party, the other has the right to consider itself free from obligations to comply with it.
The State Signal is monitoring the situation closely to keep you updated.