Zelenskyy: Russia has taken no steps to de-escalate attacks on energy sector
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has taken no steps to de-escalate attacks on the energy sector and that its operation against Ukraine’s electricity generation continues.
He said this in his evening video address, Censor.NET reports.
Strikes on energy facilities and infrastructure
He noted that energy workers and specialists from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service had been working all day in Dnipro, Kyiv and the Kyiv region, as well as other Ukrainian cities and communities, dealing with the aftermath of Russian strikes and restoring electricity supplies.
"Unfortunately, energy facilities are being hit every day, causing extensive damage. Russia’s operation against our electricity generation, our grids, and our power interconnections continues. We manage to shoot down a substantial proportion of Russian Shaheds, but unfortunately not all of them. Ballistic missiles are more difficult to deal with. There were 17 ballistic missiles overnight. It is a difficult challenge, especially with such a shortage of Patriots," the head of state said.
Dealing with the aftermath
According to Zelenskyy, work to address the aftermath of Russian attacks continues "without interruption, except during air raid alerts, with constant new threats and constant new strikes". He noted that restoration takes time.
"Dnipro – unfortunately, there were repeated strikes throughout the day and again this evening. Both on energy facilities and, once again, on the railway station. Unfortunately, there are additional emergency power cuts. We have the personnel and equipment for restoration. In Kyiv and the Kyiv region, the Chernihiv region, Zaporizhzhia, the Kharkiv region, and the Sumy region – restoration work must be carried out promptly everywhere. Russian ballistic missiles hit the Poltava region today. Kremenchuk. Our oil refining infrastructure was the target. The Russians have taken no steps to de-escalate attacks on the energy sector. There are constant terrorist strikes on our cities. We, too, will continue to act – accordingly and entirely justly," the head of state stressed.
Strengthening air defence
The president added that Ukraine would continue working with all its partners on strengthening air defence and on munitions for F-16s.
"We are preparing new decisions to be taken soon. I thank everyone who is truly helping," Zelenskyy concluded.
