President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during an address to participants of the 9th European Political Community summit, stated that Russia has no intention of discussing the reduction of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure or securing the grain corridor in the Black Sea. According to him, the aggressor state intends to continue what he described as "aerial terror" against civilian targets. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the head of state's speech.
Negotiations in Abu Dhabi: the Russian position
Zelenskyy referred to negotiations on November 11 in Abu Dhabi, where, according to him, the Russian side claimed it "had no permission" to discuss de-escalation in the Black Sea and the cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure. "Unfortunately, yesterday the Russians stated they had no permission to discuss measures that could reduce the horrors of this war, and this happened despite another attempt on our part to achieve steps toward de-escalation in the Black Sea and the cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine," the President said. He added that the Ukrainian delegation heard during the talks that Vladimir Putin is "furious" and that strikes on Ukraine will continue.
Ukrainian proposals and the "silence regime"
Earlier, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, Ukraine passed its proposals for a ceasefire with Russia to partners and is awaiting a response from the aggressor state; this was mentioned by Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. Zelenskyy also recalled that Kyiv had appealed to Moscow with a proposal to extend and expand the ceasefire regime following a humanitarian mission in Oleshky. In response, according to him, strikes followed in Kamyshevakha and a massive attack across the country.
International context: the grain issue
Against the backdrop of these statements, Zelenskyy mentioned that India and Türkiye have proposed ideas to the US regarding security in the Black Sea, concerning how to make the transit of grain shipments safe. Thus, the issue of the Black Sea corridor remains at the center of the diplomatic agenda, although, according to the President, the Russian side is not ready to discuss it within the framework of de-escalation.
Kyiv's expectations
The Ukrainian side, according to available data, continues to await Moscow's reaction to the previously submitted ceasefire proposals. The position voiced by Zelenskyy at the EPC summit records, by his assessment, Russia's rejection of de-escalation formats and a readiness to continue strikes on energy and civilian objects.
