Tensions between Ukraine and Russia spiked again this month, derailing a potential diplomatic breakthrough as both nations were on the verge of indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar.
The Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, facilitated by Qatar, aimed at curbing the destructive strikes on energy and power infrastructure that have inflicted severe damage on both countries since the conflict started.
However, the de-escalation plans were upended by Ukraine’s sudden ground offensive in Russia’s western Kursk region, the Washington Post reported.
According to the report, both Kyiv and Moscow had showed their willingness to sign an agreement that would stop the persistent attacks on their respective energy grids – an issue that has caused widespread suffering and economic turmoil on both sides.
However, Ukraine’s sudden incursion into Kursk, a strategic region where Kyiv has been intensifying its military operations, threw these plans into shambles.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Saturday that his forces were consolidating their positions in Kursk, which has been a focal point of Ukrainian military efforts for over 11 days.
This offensive, intended to disrupt Russian supply routes and troop movements, coincided with Moscow’s allegation that Ukraine had destroyed a key bridge in the area.
The report claimed that a diplomat briefed on the situation noted that Russian officials viewed the incursion as an “escalation” and postponed their meeting with Qatari mediators.
While the Russian delegation did not officially cancel the talks, they requested more time to reevaluate their position.
In response Qatar decided to postpone the summit.
There have been previous attempts at diplomacy, including secret talks in Istanbul and the United Nations but they ultimately collapsed due to continued military aggression from both sides.
