US President Donald Trump has hinted that Russia’s promise not to interfere with Kiev’s energy system until February 1 is a concession to Ukraine. Ukraine, however, has insisted on an “energy ceasefire” before the next round of talks in Abu Dhabi.
Axar.az reports, citing the Economist.
The publication notes that Russian leader Vladimir Putin may be trying to buy time. But he may also be hinting at a compromise – the outlines of which are already slowly becoming clear:
“According to sources close to the Ukrainian negotiating team, the trilateral talks with the US and Russia in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24 were among the most constructive so far.
The main unresolved questions have remained unchanged for several months:
Can Russia accept the security guarantees agreed between Ukraine and the US?
Will Ukraine have to withdraw from the territories it still controls?”
However, the publication writes that some technical aspects of the agreement seem to have already been settled:
“It is difficult to expect a breakthrough until at least March, because by then Russia’s winter offensive will be over and the country’s growing economic problems will begin to become more acute.”