Putin freezes Ukraine peace talks and orders intensified strikes on energy infrastructure

Vladimir Putin has stated that negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine are frozen.

The Russian president made this announcement at a press conference in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Speaking about American intermediaries, Putin noted that Moscow is comfortable working with the special representatives of the U.S. president.

“Russia is comfortable working with Witkoff and Kushner; they are always welcome guests in Moscow,” Putin said.

Earlier, the Kremlin had reported that there are no specifics yet regarding a possible intensification of the mediation efforts of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on the Ukrainian settlement.

Commenting on CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow, Putin stated that “contacts between intelligence services always exist — they existed even during the most difficult periods of the Cold War.”

In addition, Putin announced that the Russian army has been ordered to carry out massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He justified the decision by citing Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.

“They are hitting our refineries — they will get a response,” the Russian president said.