In August 2024, Ukraine and Russia were set to engage in negotiations in Doha, Qatar, aimed at establishing a partial cease-fire focused on halting strikes on energy infrastructure. However, these talks were postponed following Ukraine's unexpected incursion into Russia's western Kursk region.
The planned negotiations, mediated by Qatar, sought to address the ongoing attacks on energy facilities that have significantly impacted both nations. For over two years, Russia has targeted Ukraine's power grid with cruise missiles and drone strikes, causing extensive damage and frequent blackouts. In response, Ukraine has conducted long-range drone attacks on Russian oil facilities, reducing Moscow's oil refining capacity by an estimated 15% and affecting global gas prices.
The potential agreement was seen as a crucial step towards alleviating the strain on Ukraine's power infrastructure, especially with winter approaching. A Ukrainian official expressed concern about the country's ability to survive the coming cold months if Russia's bombardment continues, stating:
"We have one chance to get through this winter, and that's if the Russians won't launch any new attacks on the grid."
The talks in Doha were part of a broader diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict. In June 2024, a summit in Switzerland saw delegations from over 80 countries endorsing a joint statement promoting prisoner exchanges, nuclear safety, and food security. This event was organized as part of Ukraine's 10-point peace plan, which includes a demand for full Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has maintained that Kyiv would only consider a full cease-fire if Russia first withdrew all its troops from Ukrainian land, including the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. Conversely, Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukraine cede four Ukrainian regions that the Kremlin has declared as part of Russia.
The postponement of the Doha talks highlights the fragility of diplomatic efforts in the face of ongoing military actions. While some officials viewed Ukraine's cross-border offensive as a potential bargaining chip for future negotiations, others expressed skepticism about its long-term impact.
As both nations continue to grapple with the consequences of energy infrastructure attacks, the international community remains hopeful for a resolution that can bring stability to the region and alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.