Russia will try to destroy Ukraine’s energy system this winter to force it to capitulate – Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that, ahead of winter, Russia may try to paralyze Ukraine's already damaged energy system.
Rubio said this in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Censor.NET reports.
US concerns
"I think there are clear signs that Russia will use the coming winter as an opportunity to destroy what remains of Ukraine's power grid and force them to capitulate," Rubio said.
The secretary of state said the United States shares the worldwide concern that the conflict could escalate in a way that affects other countries and potentially develop into a wider conflict.
The United States will continue to explore opportunities for a diplomatic settlement but "will not invest in meaningless processes if we are unable to make progress", the official added.
Rubio previously warned that Russia's war against Ukraine had reached a "dangerous strategic stalemate".
Background
- On September 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump met in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed Patriot production in Ukraine. Trump said that he and Zelenskyy were working together to end the Russian-Ukrainian war before winter.
- The US president also said Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries had dealt the Russians a "serious blow" but had also affected global diesel prices.
- Following his meeting with Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was ready for any form of energy truce with Russia. The American side is to convey this proposal to the Russians.
