Zelenskyy reveals more details of call with Trump on air defense and energy
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense with US President Donald Trump amid Russian attacks on the energy sector.
According to Zelenskyy, a series of talks with Ukraine's partners took place on October 11. The main topics included aid for restoring the energy sector and strengthening air defense, including new systems and munitions.
The key conversation was with Trump and also focused on energy and air defense. Trump asked about the electricity situation in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities targeted by Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Ukraine expects the US and its partners to continue pressuring Russia to protect the civilian population and ensure the country can withstand Russian aggression. Zelenskyy made a brief announcement, noting that the US is exploring ways to enhance cooperation with Ukraine.
"The world sees what Russia is doing and how it tries to take advantage, while global leaders focus on ending the war in the Middle East... Unfortunately, Russia is a terrorist that seeks every opportunity to strike harder – especially when global attention is focused elsewhere – even when it is already clear that they in Russia remain the sole, literally last, source of this full-scale war," Zelenskyy summarized.
Energy situation
Zelenskyy also thanked Ukrainian energy workers who are restoring electricity in cities after Russian attacks.
"Much has been done in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and eastern regions. Recovery in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Sumy regions is much more difficult due to Russian attacks," he said.
He also reminded that on the night of October 11, Russian forces attacked energy facilities in Odesa with drones. Most drones were shot down, but some strikes hit their targets.
"We managed to shoot down a significant number of drones, but unfortunately, not all. Energy facilities in Odesa were hit. Everything possible is being done to repair and restore the power supply," he assured.
Attacks on Ukraine's energy sector
On the night of October 11, Russian forces attacked Odesa and the surrounding region with strike drones, damaging energy facilities and causing power outages. By midday, over 30,000 families were without electricity.
On the night of October 10, Russians carried out a coordinated missile-and-drone attack on Ukraine's energy system, using more than 450 drones and over three dozen missiles. Some regions experienced power outages, but most damage was quickly repaired.
