Zelensky warns Russia of harsh winter if energy truce talks fail

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia at the United Nations that the coming winter could be deeply painful if talks on a truce covering energy attacks fail, the South China Morning Post reported. Zelensky said Ukraine would strike back if the two sides could not reach an agreement before colder weather arrives. His warning was directed at Moscow during a period of efforts to limit attacks affecting critical infrastructure.

Ukraine and its allies are seeking limited arrangements covering energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping, according to the report. They fear renewed Russian strikes on power and heating facilities during winter. The source said Moscow continued to show little interest in the discussions, but the available material did not give a detailed Russian response to Zelensky’s warning.

It also did not specify the terms under consideration or say whether any agreement had been reached. The talks are being pursued ahead of winter, when damage to electricity and heating systems could have greater consequences. The report did not provide details of recent attacks or set out a timetable for the negotiations.