Russia seeks US sanctions relief in exchange for “energy ceasefire” in Ukraine

Russia is seeking U.S. sanctions relief in return for considering a halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, officials familiar with negotiations told The Kyiv Independent. Moscow also wants the proposal linked to a Black Sea ceasefire. Sanctions sought remain unclear; a European diplomat said Russia might seek access to frozen assets. Publicly, the Kremlin has dismissed the idea of a limited energy truce. Ukraine and U.S. officials say the demand will be discussed as Kyiv’s delegation meets U.S. envoys on October 9.