Far from the frozen front line between Ukraine and Russia, another equally fierce war is unfolding - the energy war. According to analysts, it could force the parties to sit down at the negotiating table faster than any diplomatic efforts. This is reported by 'Glavcom' citing The New York Times.
In recent days, this confrontation has noticeably escalated: the US and Europe have imposed new large-scale sanctions against the Russian oil industry - the main source of funding for the Kremlin's war.
Struggle for Energy Facilities
Ukraine is actively seeking to strengthen international pressure on Russian energy while simultaneously delivering its own 'long-range sanctions' - strikes on Russian energy facilities. In response, Russia systematically attacks Ukraine's electrical and gas infrastructure, attempting to paralyze the country's energy system ahead of winter.
Analysts believe that Moscow's main goal is to undermine Ukraine's ability to function and break the will of Ukrainians to resist.
New Sanctions and Tension
Former EU diplomat Balazs Járabik, now an analyst at R.Politik, believes that the new US sanctions against Russian oil giants 'Lukoil' and 'Rosneft' are a response to Russia's attacks on the Ukrainian energy grid.
According to him, these restrictions aim to force the Kremlin to stop the attacks and consider the possibility of a limited ceasefire regarding energy facilities.
The US Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions against the Russian Federation due to 'Moscow's lack of serious intentions for a peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine.' The new restrictions increase pressure on the Russian energy sector and aim to reduce Kremlin profits, which are used to fund military actions and support the weakened economy.
Later, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin called the new US sanctions against Russia an attempt to pressure the country.
Aside from the military conflict, Ukraine and Russia have entered into an energy war, where each strike and counterattack can have serious consequences for both countries. New sanctions and mutual attacks on energy facilities create a tense situation that could lead to increased conflict and heightened relations between Ukraine and Russia.