Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s energy system shows blatant disrespect for US - Zelenskyy
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia launched another massive attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities overnight, using ballistic missiles and drones, despite the energy truce announced by US President Donald Trump, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel.
According to the president, overnight, Russia used 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 attack drones and loitering munitions against energy facilities and critical infrastructure in Kyiv, Kyiv region, and Kharkiv.
"A targeted Russian ballistic strike specifically against energy infrastructure, for which the US president had declared a ceasefire. The strike was entirely deliberate and demonstrative in its scale — Russia has never shown such blatant disrespect for the US before," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that Russia does not consider Donald Trump’s statements to be strong.
The president reported that at least 600,000 Ukrainians were left without electricity following the overnight attack. The outages could affect even more people.
Significant damage was reported to facilities and equipment at 26 components of the power system and four oil and gas facilities. There were also fatalities and injuries.
"We ask the US and EVERYONE in the world who does not turn a blind eye to reality to respond, and to respond firmly. Russia has wasted an opportunity for de-escalation and has clearly chosen to continue its insane war of destruction," Zelenskyy stressed.
The head of state called on Trump to impose tough sanctions on Russia.
"The US president has all the powerful and sufficient tools to bring peace closer through strength, justice, and pressure on the aggressor," Zelenskyy said.
The president also called on the US and Europe to provide Ukraine with additional packages of Patriot missiles.
Massive attacks on Ukraine
Russia launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Ukraine overnight and in the morning of October 14.
Kyiv was the main target. Missiles were also heading toward Zhytomyr, Bila Tserkva, and Poltava, while explosions were heard in Kharkiv and Dnipro.
In particular, Russia’s overnight attacks on Kyiv killed three people and injured another 27. Energy facilities in the capital and the region were targeted, and the city is experiencing power outages.
Russia has been attacking Kyiv with ballistic missiles for the third consecutive day. On the evening of October 13, CHP-4 was the main target, while one person was killed and 21 were injured in a residential high-rise building in the Desnianskyi district.
A day earlier, on October 12, missiles struck Kyiv before the air raid siren sounded in the city.
