“It’s Precisely Russia That Needs To Be Pressured For Peace To Have A Chance”: Zelenskyy Reacts To Enemy Strikes On Ukraine’s Energy Sector

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern on October 18 that Russia's deliberate strikes on Ukraine's energy and oil-and-gas sector pose a significant threat to achieving peace. Over the past week, Russian forces have launched nearly 2,700 strike drones, 1,700 aerial bombs, and 66 missiles at Ukraine, with the majority of targets being the energy sector.

Zelenskyy reported that 76 strikes have already been carried out, resulting in tens of thousands of households without power and 12 people injured, including two children. Two individuals were killed.

The main targets of these attacks are energy substations, with recent strikes occurring in Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa regions. The Ukrainian president emphasized that Russia is attempting to create a blackout, urging America to recognize Russia's unwillingness to cooperate in response to lifting sanctions or making deals.

Zelenskyy stated that Russia will continue the war, not out of justifiable self-defense, but because they see every signal of potential financial gain as confirmation that their strategy of waging war is working.

He emphasized the need for pressure on Russia for peace to have a chance, noting that critical infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Vinnytsia, and Kherson has been struck. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to those who understand this and extend their support.