Putin Seeks Sanctions Relief in Exchange for Ukraine Energy Truce

Russia has reportedly made sanctions relief a condition in discussions about a possible ceasefire on energy infrastructure, while seeking to connect it to a halt in Black Sea attacks. The demands come as Russian strikes continue damaging Ukraine’s power system and causing blackouts, raising concern in Kyiv that Moscow is using negotiations to gain leverage. Ukraine says any pause should be reciprocal, with both sides stopping attacks, not traded for economic concessions. The U.S. is pursuing a narrower agreement, while broader peace talks remain stalled over territorial demands