Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced that Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter to cut off electricity and heating. These statements come as Moscow continues its attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv and other regions, with experts believing that the main goal is to make the country uninhabitable.
Widespread Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
Zelensky said in a post on social media platform X that Russia has carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine's energy sector since the start of its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. He stated that "more than 15 critical facilities for electricity generation and transmission in various regions of Ukraine have been targeted." Zelensky also added that restoration work is underway and all necessary services and resources from Ukraine's energy companies are involved in this effort.
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Impact on Daily Life of Ukrainians
Zelensky stated that Russia is trying to confront Ukrainian citizens with a shortage of electricity and heat this winter. He said: "Russia is trying to plunge Ukraine into darkness ahead of winter. This country is trying to leave millions of our people without electricity and heating." He urged his allies to pressure Moscow to stop this situation.
Zelensky also pointed out that Russia has expanded its campaign against Ukraine's energy system and is trying to minimize Ukraine's reserves and repair capacity. In response to these attacks, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces have attacked several infrastructure targets in Ukraine, including a power station in the city of Zhytomyr.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian officials also reported that one person — an ambulance driver — was killed as a result of a Russian airstrike in Kherson in southern Ukraine, and 19 others, including a child, were injured. Meanwhile, the Russian state news agency reported the death of a woman due to Ukrainian drone attacks in the Belgorod region of that country.
Zelensky's Reaction to Trump's Decision
Zelensky also reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to cancel a package of new sanctions against Moscow, stating that this action only encourages Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. He added: "The lifting of U.S. sanctions, reducing pressure on the aggressor, and financial rewards for Putin — all of this only encourages him to continue his attacks."
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order that lifted extensive sanctions and tariffs affecting Russia's energy revenues. This action was described as a "historic moment" by a representative of the Russian presidency. The representative stated: "The suspension of [Lindsey] Graham's law is an important and truly historic moment."
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