Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned recent Russian attacks on Kharkiv, stating that these occurred despite a declared energy truce. During a press briefing, Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s support for the truce but noted that attacks, including drone strikes and bombings, continued throughout the day.
“There have been strikes against our energy infrastructure. Just recently, the Kharkiv Thermal Power Plant No. 5 was hit,” he informed reporters. Zelensky revealed that this week alone, Russian forces launched over 200 strikes on electricity generation and transmission facilities across Ukraine, along with 17 attacks on gas and oil sites.
Tragically, the president reported that the ongoing assault has led to the deaths of more than 150 Ukrainians this week, with over 700 others injured. Oleg Synegubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, confirmed that a rocket strike occurred in the outskirts of Kharkiv, near a grocery store, resulting in at least three fatalities and nine injuries, including two children. He had previously warned of attacks on residential areas in the Nemishlyansky district.
On October 11, former President Donald Trump announced an energy truce between Ukraine and Russia, stating that it would take effect immediately. However, Zelensky indicated that this declaration came as a surprise to him and emphasized the need for Russia to reciprocate in order to reach a genuine ceasefire.
In a subsequent statement, Zelensky mentioned that he had discussed the truce with international partners and reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to cease hostilities, contingent upon similar actions from Russia. “We await further details from the American side,” he concluded.
Context
- On October 11, Trump announced an energy truce between Ukraine and Russia at 5:15 PM, claiming both parties agreed to it.
- Zelensky stated in a media comment that the announcement of the energy truce was news to him, expressing readiness to support it, provided Russia did as well.
- He later reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire contingent on equivalent actions from Russia and mentioned awaiting details from American officials.
