Russia hits more than 10 energy facilities overnight: Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Russia launched ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and the Kyiv region overnight, as well as attacks on energy infrastructure in eleven regions across the country. At least 550,000 households were left without electricity, according to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Another Russian ballistic missile attack came in several waves overnight, and once again, there was no early warning from our partners," Zelenskyy said.
In total, Russia used 16 ballistic missiles. According to the president, this was a targeted attack on Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
Russia also launched more than 200 drones of various types, including jet-powered Shaheds. They flew from the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions to Volyn, Rivne, and Odesa regions.
Energy facilities and infrastructure were once again the targets. However, a medical clinic, a school, a metro station, and ordinary residential buildings were also damaged, Zelenskyy said.
"Sadly, there are casualties. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Those who were injured are receiving assistance," the president said.
Overnight and in the morning, Russia attacked energy facilities in the Vinnytsia, Volyn, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Kharkiv, Ternopil, Odesa, and Rivne regions.
More than 10 energy infrastructure facilities were damaged in this single night alone. At least 550,000 households were left without electricity. Repair crews are working at the sites.
What the president said about Ukraine’s partners
"Ukraine never wanted this war, and we have welcomed literally EVERY attempt by our partners to bring this war to a dignified end. We have responded positively to EVERY ceasefire proposal," Zelenskyy stressed.
Russia’s response, again and again, has been ballistic missiles, Shaheds, and killings, he said. According to Zelenskyy, the Kremlin leader does not want not only to end the war but also to take any steps to ease tensions. Every partner has personally encountered this when hearing Russia’s refusals, he added.
The president called on others to call things by their proper names.
"It is crucial to call things what they are. To call the aggressor an aggressor and help Ukraine defend lives," he stressed.
He also added that blocking supplies of missiles for Ukraine’s air defenses while Russia receives sanctions relief or extensions amounts to partners denying reality.
"The reality is that the war continues, and it continues solely because of Russian strikes and Russia's desire to drag this war out. I thank everyone who recognizes this reality and helps Ukraine!" the president concluded.
Russia began attacking Kyiv with ballistic and cruise missiles and drones on the evening of October 18.
According to the State Emergency Service, one person was killed and eight others were injured. A metro station and a residential high-rise building were damaged.
Meanwhile, on the morning of October 19, parts of the Vinnytsia, Rivne, and Kharkiv regions were left without electricity.
In Vinnytsia and parts of the surrounding region, water supplies were also cut off.
