Russia prepares new strikes on energy sector, Ukraine says at OSCE
Photo: Russia launched 256 attacks on Ukraine's energy sector this heating season (Getty Images)
Ukraine has sufficient information indicating that Russia prepares further attacks on the country's energy sector and infrastructure, including facilities and grids that serve nuclear power plants, according to Rostyslav Palahusynets, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to international organizations in Vienna.
"We have sufficient information about Russia's preparations for further strikes on our energy sector and infrastructure, including facilities and grids that serve our nuclear power plants," Rostyslav Palahusynets said during a meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation.
The official stressed that every Russian strike on energy infrastructure during the harsh winter undermines efforts by key countries, including the US, to bring the war to an end.
"Ukraine is as constructive as possible in diplomacy, while Russia is focused solely on strikes and the abuse of civilians," Palahusynets said.
He added that during the current heating season, Ukraine's energy and critical infrastructure have been hit by 256 aerial attacks. Since January 11, Russia has been carrying out strikes on energy facilities almost daily.
"War criminal Putin continues to wage a genocidal war against women, children, and the elderly. This winter campaign has a clear humanitarian dimension: the attacks are synchronized and structured to maximize suffering as temperatures fall to extreme levels and disruptions to heating, electricity, and water supplies become life-threatening," the diplomat said.
He emphasized that Russia is deliberately attempting to create living conditions aimed at the physical destruction of the Ukrainian people, which falls under Article II(c) of the Genocide Convention.
In addition, the Ukrainian delegation urged OSCE member states to turn unity into action, including accelerating the delivery of air defense systems and ammunition, expanding countermeasures against missiles and drones, and increasing pressure on Russia to force it to end the war and ensure compliance with international law.
Ukraine also expressed gratitude to Poland for the Heat for Kyiv initiative, which raised more than $1 million, as well as to nearly 24,000 donors and countries supporting Ukraine's energy sector, including Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Austria, and others.
Russia's preparation for new attacks
Earlier, Ukraine's defense ministry intelligence reported that Russia is considering strikes on nuclear substations to force Ukraine to accept capitulation terms after the war.
According to intelligence assessments, the Kremlin's plans include leaving Ukrainians without electricity and heating on a large scale.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said over the weekend that Ukrainian intelligence has information about Russia preparing new strikes on Ukraine's energy sector and infrastructure.
As of January 19, a total of 17 countries are providing Ukraine with energy equipment assistance amid the ongoing crisis.
