Russia targets Ukraine's energy with 76 strikes in a week of Trump's truce, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
A week after US President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire, Russia launched 76 attacks on Ukraine's energy and oil and gas sectors, leaving tens of thousands of families without power, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Since the American President announced the energy ceasefire a week ago, Russia has deliberately attacked Ukraine's energy and oil and gas sectors 76 times," the head of state emphasizes.
On the night of October 18, Russian troops struck substations in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa regions. As a result of the Russian attacks, tens of thousands of families were left without electricity.
Utility workers and repair crews are working around the clock to restore damaged facilities and restore power to consumers.
The Russians also attacked residential buildings in Ukrainian regions overnight. According to data cited by Zelenskyy, two people were killed, and 12 others were wounded as a result of the Russian strikes. Among the victims were two children.
In the morning, Russia struck an agricultural enterprise in the Volyn region. Relevant services are on the scene.
Over the past week, Russian forces have used nearly 2,700 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs, and 66 missiles against Ukraine. Most of the missiles, according to the president, were ballistic.
"The main targets of these strikes are energy facilities – the Russians are trying to cause a blackout. And America should see that Russia is not taking any reciprocal steps in response to sanctions relief or agreements," Zelenskyy notes.
The President of Ukraine believes Moscow perceives signals about potential economic benefits or agreements as a sign that continuing the war could be advantageous for it.
"It is because of this position of Russia’s that the war continues, not because Ukraine is rightfully defending itself. It is Russia that must face pressure for peace to have a chance. Thank you to everyone who understands this and helps," the President concludes.
On October 11, US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia had allegedly agreed to an energy ceasefire and should stop striking energy facilities.
That same day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv had not reached an agreement with Moscow on a ceasefire, but that Ukraine was ready to support it if Russia also ceased its attacks.
As early as October 12, Zelenskyy reported Russian strikes on six energy facilities in Ukraine. According to him, during this period, Ukrainian forces did not attack Russian energy infrastructure.
