Russian leader Vladimir Putin is bluffing about an energy ceasefire while Russia weaponizes winter through massive attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys wrote on X on 7 February.
"Amid ongoing attempts at peace talks and Putin's bluff about an 'energy ceasefire,' Russia is further weaponising winter - launching a massive overnight attack on Ukraine and deliberately targeting civilian energy infrastructure, including facilities linked to nuclear power plants," Budrys wrote on X.
The minister described the attacks as pure terror. "Freezing people in darkness as temperatures plunge is pure terror," he stated.
Budrys demanded criminal accountability through international mechanisms. "These systematic strikes on energy infrastructure, including nuclear‑related objects, constitute war crimes under international law and must be met with real accountability - not merely statements of concern - including action at the ICC," he wrote. "Those who order and execute these attacks must face criminal responsibility."
Lithuania has donated generators worth 2.4 million euros, bringing the country's total energy support to more than 100 million euros, according to the minister. Lithuanian NGOs and diplomats are mobilizing, but the scale of Russian attacks demands increased efforts from all parties, Budrys noted.
"Ukraine urgently needs financial, technical, air‑defence and interceptor support. The EU, together with global partners, must accelerate deliveries without delay. Every moment of hesitation fuels Russia's terror," the minister stated.
"Words and illusions of restraint will not deter Russia. Only strength, solidarity and accountability can force an end to its war of aggression," Budrys wrote.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 6 February that US representatives in Abu Dhabi again proposed implementing an energy truce, but Russia has not agreed so far.
Zelenskyy also reported that the United States proposed ending Russia's war against Ukraine by early summer, since congressional elections will become their priority later.
