Trump backs Ukraine’s right to strike Russia’s energy targets – Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy said that during their meeting the day before, Trump raised the issue that Ukraine should respond to Russian attacks in kind. According to him, Trump said the same thing about drone manufacturing plants or missile bases, even though they are well-protected in Russia.

Zelenskyy says if Russians attack the Ukrainian energy sector, President Trump supports Ukraine's ability to respond.

He notes that Ukraine already has drones that can strike deep into Russia, but also said that there is an additional weapons system that he would like to obtain to speed up the end of the war. However, he did not disclose what weapons he was referring to.

Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy sector

In 2023, Russia launched massive attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which began in the fall of 2022. The attacks aimed to cut off power to cities and create a humanitarian crisis in winter. Despite this, the Ukrainian energy system held out thanks to repair crews, equipment supplies from Western partners, and energy conservation measures.

In 2024, Russia resumed its tactic of massive strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities, focusing on power generation and high-voltage substations. The largest attacks took place in May, when the enemy launched combined strikes with missiles and drones. This led to significant damage, particularly to large thermal and hydroelectric power plants. At that time, emergency and planned power outages were introduced in Ukraine.

In 2025, Russian strikes became even more intense and systematic. The enemy is trying to undermine Ukraine's energy potential as much as possible before the winter season, attacking not only large energy hubs but also gas and heating infrastructure facilities.

At the same time, he stresses that Ukraine is responding to Russia's strikes on its energy infrastructure and will continue to do so.

The President emphasizes that no one will just sit in the dark and take it.

For more details on whether Ukraine is ready for new strikes on its energy sector, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.