Zelensky: Russia scales up attack on energy sector to create blackout before winter

Large-scale strike on infrastructure

On 17 October, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky issued a statement in which he characterised Russia's recent actions as one of the largest-scale attacks on the country's energy system. According to the leader, Russia is trying to cause a blackout in Ukraine right before winter.

Zelensky noted that within the 24 hours prior to his address, more than 15 key power generation and transmission facilities located in various regions came under fire. He emphasised that restoration work is ongoing continuously, with all necessary services and resources of Ukrainian energy companies involved. The President thanked the personnel who are working without a break to restore the power supply.

Geography of damage and enemy tactics

The most difficult situation, according to the President, has developed in Lutsk, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Shepetivka, Slavuta, and Netishyn. Strikes were also delivered on energy facilities in the Kharkiv region, Kyiv region, Dnipropetrovsk region, and other oblasts.

«росіяни масштабували свою антиенергетичну операцію і намагаються максимально розпорошити наші резерви та відновлювальну спроможність. Тільки від 19-ї години вчора й по 7-му ранку сьогодні були застосовані проти нашої енергетики, проти наших міст і громад більш ніж 320 реактивних і бензинових "шахедів", також баражуючі боєприпаси, крилаті та балістичні ракети» (Russians have scaled up their anti-energy operation and are trying to maximally disperse our reserves and restoration capabilities. Only from 7 pm yesterday to 7 am this morning, more than 320 jet and gasoline "Shaheds" were used against our energy sector, against our cities and communities, as well as loitering munitions, cruise and ballistic missiles), Zelensky stated.

The President stressed that, despite the successes of the Ukrainian military in shooting down a significant portion of the targets, the mass and continuity of strikes on the energy sector have numerous negative consequences.

US position and sanctions pressure

Volodymyr Zelensky drew attention to the fact that European partners have already prepared new support packages for Ukraine, for which he expressed his gratitude. At the same time, the Head of State addressed the American side, calling on them to realise the reality of the situation on the ground.

«І важливо, щоб також усі в Америці бачили, що насправді відбувається. У час, коли росіяни завдали такого масштабного удару по нашій енергетиці, в Америці було, на жаль, ухвалено рішення повністю проігнорувати закон Ліндсі Грема, який повинен був запровадити справді дієвий тиск на росію заради припинення цієї війни. Цей закон міг – і ще може! – дуже допомогти. Але потрібно, щоб закон справді працював, і кожен голос за це має значення» (And it is important that everyone in America also sees what is actually happening. At a time when the Russians delivered such a large-scale strike on our energy sector, in America, unfortunately, a decision was made to completely ignore the Lindsey Graham law, which was supposed to impose truly effective pressure on Russia to end this war. This law could – and still can! – help a lot. But the law needs to actually work, and every vote for it matters), Zelensky emphasised.

Call to maintain pressure

The President stressed that Russia deliberately seeks to leave millions of Ukrainians without electricity and heating. He warned that easing pressure, in particular through the non-implementation of sanctions mechanisms, only encourages the aggressor to continue its attacks.

«Росія намагається зробити в Україні блекаут прямо перед зимою. росія намагається залишити мільйони наших людей без електрики та опалення. Тиск потрібен, щоб це зупинити. Американський санкційний блекаут, послаблення тиску на агресора, грошові винагороди для путіна – це все тільки спонукає його бити далі. Треба не здавати позиції і намагатись закінчити війну. Закінчити, а не дати путіну всі підстави продовжувати її безкінечно. Дякую всім, хто справді бореться за мир і допомагає Україні!» (Russia is trying to create a blackout in Ukraine right before winter. Russia is trying to leave millions of our people without electricity and heating. Pressure is needed to stop this. The American sanctions blackout, easing pressure on the aggressor, monetary rewards for Putin – all of this only encourages him to keep striking. We must not give up our positions and must try to end the war. End it, and not give Putin all the reasons to continue it indefinitely. Thank you to everyone who is truly fighting for peace and helping Ukraine!), Volodymyr Zelensky added.