Zelenskyy says energy ceasefire for Ukraine was discussed in Abu Dhabi talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly acknowledged that a potential temporary ceasefire focused on protecting energy infrastructure was a topic of discussion during high-stakes peace negotiations last week. His comments come in direct response to US President Donald Trump’s claim that he personally secured an agreement from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a brief humanitarian pause.

Zelenskyy Confirms Talks on Protecting "Foundation of Life"

In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Thursday, President Zelenskyy addressed President Trump’s earlier remarks. Trump had stated he “personally asked” President Putin to refrain from firing on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities due to extreme winter conditions. Zelenskyy reacted by emphasizing the critical importance of uninterrupted power supply, calling it a “foundation of life.” He expressed gratitude for the efforts, stating, “We value the efforts of our partners to help us protect lives.” Zelenskyy confirmed, “Our teams discussed this in the United Arab Emirates,” referring to the trilateral talks held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24.

An Expected Step Toward De-escalation and Progress

While not explicitly confirming a finalized deal, President Zelenskyy indicated expectations for implementation. “We expect the agreements to be implemented,” he wrote. He framed the discussion as a positive step, adding that “De-escalation steps contribute to real progress toward ending the war.” This suggests Kyiv views such limited, tactical pauses not as an end goal but as confidence-building measures that could pave the way for more substantive negotiations on a broader ceasefire or peace settlement. Russian authorities have not yet publicly commented on the alleged energy ceasefire agreement.

Context of Ongoing Abu Dhabi Mediation and Future Talks

The discussion on an energy-specific pause occurred within the framework of a renewed diplomatic track hosted by the United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi talks brought together delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States for two days of consultations. These talks represent a significant, albeit fragile, channel for dialogue amidst the ongoing war. According to reports, a new round of trilateral talks is tentatively scheduled to take place again in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, indicating that the parties see value in maintaining this forum. The potential for a localized ceasefire, even if limited in duration and scope, marks a notable development in a conflict where civilian energy grids have been a primary Russian military target, especially during winter months.