On Saturday, top diplomats from Russia and Ukraine used a high-level conference in Turkey to again trade accusations of failing to comply with a preliminary U.S.-brokered agreement to stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
The foreign ministers of both countries spoke at separate events at the annual Antalya Diplomatic Forum, which came a day after U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace prospects.
Ukraine's European allies on Friday pledged billions of dollars to support Kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion.
While Moscow and Kyiv broadly agreed to a limited 30-day ceasefire last month, they issued conflicting statements shortly after separate talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia.
They disagree regarding the timing of the pause in strikes and the supposed almost immediate violations by the opponent.
“The Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning, every day, with the exception of perhaps two or three cases,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, adding that Moscow would provide the United States, Turkey and international organizations with a list of Kyiv's attacks over the past three weeks.
A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman separately told state media on Saturday that Moscow was sharing intelligence with the United States on more than 60 alleged violations of the agreement by Kyiv.
On Saturday, Mr Lavrov noted that Russia was complying with the terms of the agreement.
His Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiga vigorously disputed that claim, saying Russia had fired “nearly 70 missiles, more than 2,200 (exploding) drones and more than 6,000 guided bombs into Ukraine, mostly targeting civilians” since agreeing to a limited pause in strikes.
“This clearly shows the world who is seeking peace and who is seeking war,” he said.
Russian forces continue to have the upper hand in Ukraine, and Kyiv has warned that Moscow is planning a new spring offensive to increase pressure on its adversary and improve its negotiating position.
Ukraine has welcomed a broader US ceasefire proposal, but Russia has effectively blocked it by imposing tough conditions. European governments have accused Mr Putin of dragging his feet.
“Russia must move” toward ending the war, US President Donald Trump wrote on social media on Friday, calling the war “horrible and senseless.”
On Saturday, Mr Lavrov reiterated that a proposed agreement, backed by the US and also being discussed in Saudi Arabia, to ensure safe navigation
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
