Zelenskyy Proposes Separate Agreements on Ukraine-Russia Economic Issues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed separate solutions to the main economic problems facing Ukraine and Russia during a meeting with journalists. He acknowledged that recent Ukrainian strikes on oil refining and logistics facilities in Novorossiysk have led to intensified attacks by Russia on Ukraine's 'grain corridor.'
Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv views the principle of reciprocity as key to de-escalating the conflict, where separate agreements are reached for each sector. In the agricultural sector, Russia must cease attacks on Ukrainian ports, ships, and food export routes, while Ukraine must halt strikes on Russian grain logistics.
Zelenskyy also proposed that countries use their ships to transport Ukrainian agricultural products, provided similar security guarantees are in place for ships carrying Russian grain. For the energy sector, an agreement could provide for an end to Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid in exchange for an end to Ukrainian attacks on Russian fuel infrastructure related to gasoline and diesel fuel production and supply.
The President emphasized that Ukraine is ready for both separate agreements on grain logistics and the energy sector as well as a complete ceasefire. However, he stated that Russia has not demonstrated a willingness to accept such a format and is attempting to use attacks on grain exports primarily to force Ukraine to halt effective strikes against Russia's energy sector.