Russia sets conditions for halting strikes on Ukraine's energy sector — Kyiv Independent

Russia has demanded that the United States lift sanctions as part of negotiations on a possible energy ceasefire with Ukraine, while also seeking to link the initiative to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, the Kyiv Independent reported on October 9, citing American and Ukrainian officials familiar with the negotiations.

These demands come as russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with one senior Ukrainian defense official stating that moscow is trying to inflict as much damage as possible to gain leverage ahead of potential negotiations.

Kyiv is already facing daily power outages amid russian attacks. The russian attack on October 8 caused widespread power outages across the capital, a city with a population of more than three million.

“Publicly, moscow has shown little willingness to commit to an energy ceasefire. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on October 8 that russia sees no point in negotiations on a sectoral ceasefire”, - the outlet writes.