Dmitri Peskov (left) and Vladimir Putin hold out the prospect of a partial ceasefire for Ukraine.Image: keystone
March 20, 2026, 2:13 p.mMarch 20, 2026, 2:13 p.m
The Russian leadership has promised a possible partial ceasefire for attacks on energy facilities in the war against Ukraine – under certain conditions.
To do this, Kiev must stop attacks on the Russian oil and gas infrastructure and end the “blackmail of other countries, including EU member states” in the energy sector, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.
Russia recently complained about Ukrainian drone attacks on compressor stations for a gas pipeline to Turkey. According to Moscow, such attacks on the Russian energy infrastructure lead to further increases in oil and gas prices.
Using the keyword blackmail, Peskov commented on the dispute between Kiev and Budapest over the “Druzhba” pipeline, through which Hungary receives oil from Russia. According to information from Kiev, a section of the line in western Ukraine was damaged by Russian attacks. Budapest accuses Kiev of preventing oil from passing through. In this context, Hungary has blocked the payment of billions in loans from the EU to Ukraine.
Peace negotiations are stalling
Negotiations between Moscow and Kiev to end the Russian war of aggression that has been ongoing for more than four years are currently on pause. Talks on Ukraine are planned for this Saturday. Peskov said it was a matter of negotiations between the Ukrainians and the USA, which was acting as a mediator in the conflict. According to him, Russia will not be at the meeting, but is waiting for a date for trilateral talks. (sda/dpa/nil)