United States President Donald Trump has announced on October 11th that Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement to prevent attacks on energy infrastructure, raising hopes for a reduction of tensions in the ongoing war for more than four years.
However, according to the Associated Press agency, the US president's announcement has not been closely associated with the manner of implementation, duration or mechanisms that would guarantee respect for the ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced support for an agreement that would prevent attacks on energy targets, but has demanded that Russia take concrete action.
Zelensky has signalled Ukraine's readiness to stop hitting Russian oil refinerys if Moscow interrupts attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
According to the AP, statements come in a period when both sides continue to use fears and rockets to strike strategic targets away from the front line.
War has caused considerable damage to energy systems and has increased the uncertainty of power supply, especially with the approach of cold months.
A applicable agreement could ease pressure on the civilian population and create room for further negotiations.
But a crucial issue remains unanswered: whether Russia will confirm and respect the conditions announced by Washington.
For now, Trump's statement represents an important diplomatic development, but not a confirmation that fighting has stopped.
