Ukrainians endured a difficult and exhausting winter, but it did not increase fear — instead, it deepened anger over Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in an interview with Germany’s ZDF.
According to Zelenskyy, the winter was emotionally draining as well as physically challenging. However, he stressed that it would be untrue to say Ukrainians are ready to “give up everything” just to make Russia stop its missile and drone strikes.
He noted that Russia is no longer seeking excuses for hitting energy infrastructure. Whereas previously officials claimed strikes were accidental or aimed at military targets, he said Russian authorities now openly state that they are targeting the energy sector.
The president said the goal was to create chaos, but that effort failed. He added that Russia was unable to carry out a successful offensive operation in 2025 and instead shifted its focus to critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, substations, and water and gas supply facilities.