Ukraine Confronts ‘Significant’ Russian Assault on Energy Infrastructure, According to Ministry
Ukraine has reported that it is resisting a fresh missile assault on its energy infrastructure, marking the latest phase of Russia’s ongoing campaign against the war-ravaged nation’s power grid amidst the winter months.
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, resulting in temporary blackouts for hundreds of thousands as temperatures fall to 0°C.
“The enemy persists in its terror. Once more, the energy sector throughout Ukraine is under severe attack,” stated Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko.
An air raid alert has been in effect since 7am local time (5am Irish time), with threat-monitoring channels reporting missile activity across various parts of Ukraine.
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Enhanced restrictions announced
To address the power shortage, Ukraine’s energy operator has been implementing long outages.
Following this morning’s assault, increased restrictions have been declared.
The Kremlin has previously admitted to targeting Ukraine’s energy sites, arguing that they are legitimate targets as they “support enterprises in the Ukrainian defense industry.”
Ukrainian officials have consistently condemned the attacks on the energy infrastructure as efforts to undermine the morale of the population and have urged allies to provide additional air defense support.
In response to the recent strike, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga reiterated this appeal.
“Russia aims to strip us of energy. Instead, we must take away its means of terror,” he stated on social media.
Senior Ukrainian official indicates Kyiv is not yet ready for negotiations with Russia
Yesterday, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, remarked in an interview that his administration is not yet prepared for talks with Russia, citing a lack of necessary weapons, security assurances, and international standing.
Yermak’s statements to public broadcaster Suspilne came as Zelensky publicly contemplates a potential negotiated resolution to the war initiated by Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“Not today,” Yermak responded to Suspilne when asked about Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations.
“We lack the weapons, and we lack the status we are discussing, which includes an invitation to NATO and a clear understanding of guarantees that ensure (Russian President Vladimir) Putin won’t return in two to three years.”
Ukraine’s conflict with Russia has resulted in extensive damage across large areas of the country.
Alongside German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Zelensky remarked this week that Ukraine seeks to end the war and that efforts are necessary to strengthen his country and compel the Kremlin to pursue peace.
In recent public statements, Zelensky has also indicated that negotiations could occur while Russia still holds territory seized during the invasion.
However, he emphasized that Ukraine requires a formal invitation for the entire country to join NATO, with the alliance’s status applying only to areas controlled by Ukrainian authorities and real security guarantees being essential.
During his visit to Paris last week, Zelensky met with US President-elect Donald Trump, who expressed a desire for a swift conclusion to the war without providing specific details.
Russia has consistently dismissed any possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, with Putin asserting that Kyiv must recognize the Kremlin’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions, which it only partially controls.
