Ukraine: USA will try agreement to stop attacks on energy facilities

“ Vlet's try. I believe that we are prepared to play a positive role in achieving this,” said Rubio at a press conference after the meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in New York.

The head of U.S. diplomacy did not clarify whether the issue of attacks on energy facilities was addressed at the meeting, nor did he provide details on the issues discussed with the Russian minister.

Rubio recalled that Ukraine has attacked oil and gas-related Russian refineries and other infrastructures, while Russia continues to hit the Ukrainian power grid at a time when winter is approaching.

“ When talking about energy, this means different things for different people,” Rubio said.

“If you ask [Ukrainian President, Volodymyr] Zelensky, he will argue that the ability to protect their power grid is a key priority for them,” added the head of US diplomacy.

Rubio acknowledged that achieving an understanding will not be simple, as Moscow and Kyiv consider the attacks on energy infrastructure part of their respective strategic objectives.

Nevertheless, Rubio argued that it is worth looking for an agreement that would be “beneficial for both countries and the rest of the world”.

The Secretary of State also admitted the possibility of a new meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the margins of the G20 summit scheduled for December in Florida, if the Russian leader attends the meeting.

According to Rubio, the summit could be “a new opportunity for both leaders to talk”.

Putin also plans to participate in the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), scheduled for November in China, where he can also meet with Trump.

Rubio also warned of the risk of the war between Russia and Ukraine extending to other countries through hybrid attacks, sabotage acts or accidental incidents that could trigger a direct confrontation.