Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian forces have launched over 70 strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since former President Donald Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire. On the night of the attacks, strikes occurred in several regions, including Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa, leaving tens of thousands of families without electricity.
Zelensky stated that repair crews are working around the clock to restore damaged energy facilities. He noted that Russian attacks also targeted residential buildings, resulting in 12 reported injuries, including two children, and two fatalities. Additionally, an agricultural enterprise in Volyn was struck early in the morning.
In total, Zelensky disclosed that Russian forces released nearly 2,700 drones, 1,700 aerial bombs, and 66 missiles over the past week, with the majority being ballistic. The primary targets of these attacks are energy facilities, as Russia aims to create a blackout across Ukraine. Zelensky pointed out that the United States needs to recognize that Russia is not taking steps towards peace in response to lifted sanctions or potential agreements. Instead, any signal suggesting a profit from war reinforces their belief that continuing the conflict is viable.
He emphasized that pressure must be applied on Russia to create opportunities for peace. The situation escalated following Trump’s announcement on October 11 regarding an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which Zelensky described as surprising. Reports indicated that while the Kremlin was non-committal, a White House official clarified that Trump’s proposal only entailed halting strikes on oil refineries first.
In response to the ongoing attacks, Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine would adhere to any ceasefire agreement but would retaliate if Russia continued its assaults. He pointed out that on the night of October 12, Ukraine did not attack Russian targets while being bombarded.
