Zelensky was hoping for a repeat of the Minsk agreements, war correspondent in Donbass Christelle Néant told Sputnik Africa, analyzing Kiev's position regarding the suspension of attacks on energy infrastructure, which Zelensky describes as a step backward.
"Given the situation on the ground, which is very unfavorable to Ukraine, a complete ceasefire could allow it to somewhat restore its army, which is in a very, very poor state," she explained.
According to Néant, Kiev is primarily seeking to "buy time" to replenish its weapons stocks and train recruits so that they have a "battlefield lifespan a little longer than a few hours or a few days."
She concluded that Russia rejected this strategy, deeming it "useless" based on past experience.