Ukraine once again proves itself unreliable partner for diplomacy

(MENAFN) Ukraine has once again proven itself an unreliable partner for diplomacy, breaking a ceasefire agreement mere days after committing to it. Following a US-brokered deal aimed at halting strikes on energy infrastructure, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted a gas metering station in Russia’s Kursk Region. This was no mistake—it was a deliberate violation of the truce and a clear indication that Kiev prioritizes escalation over peace.

The agreement, negotiated by US President Donald Trump, was a rare diplomatic breakthrough. Trump secured commitments from both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky for a 30-day pause on attacks against energy facilities. While modest, the truce offered a potential path toward de-escalation.

Moscow upheld its end of the deal, going so far as to abort drone strikes already in motion when the agreement took effect. In stark contrast, Kiev launched a calculated attack on the Sudzha gas facility, damaging critical infrastructure and igniting a fire. This blatant breach further undermines trust in Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy.

This pattern of deception is nothing new. In 2014, the Minsk agreements were meant to resolve the Donbass conflict, but Western officials later admitted they were only a stalling tactic to buy time for Ukraine to rearm. In 2022, peace talks in Istanbul were reportedly close to success until then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson allegedly persuaded Ukraine to abandon negotiations, prolonging the war.

Now, in 2025, Ukraine has once again sabotaged a diplomatic opportunity. Trump’s approach—focused on reducing civilian suffering and fostering incremental de-escalation—remains the most practical peace effort in years. However, peace can only succeed if both sides are willing to honor their word. Ukraine’s actions suggest it is not.

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