Ukraine refrained from striking Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities for two days after the US president announced a ceasefire in the energy sector. During that time, Russia continued attacking Ukraine’s energy and critical infrastructure, with 19 regions coming under attack.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Ukraine did not strike Russian oil refining facilities or the energy sector in general for two days after the President of the United States announced a ceasefire in the energy sector. But Russia did not listen to the President of the United States,” Zelensky said.
According to him, during those two days Russian forces attacked Ukraine’s energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
“Nineteen regions of our country came under attack over these two days alone,” the president said.
Zelensky stressed that Kyiv’s position remains unchanged: Ukraine is ready for “reciprocal de-escalation steps,” but pressure on Russia is necessary for this to happen.
“Wars end when the aggressor feels that it has no ability to prolong the war,” he said.
Kyiv attacked with five ballistic missiles
The president also commented on the overnight and morning Russian attacks on Ukraine. According to him, since the evening Russia had used more than a hundred different means of attack, including jet-powered drones, loitering munitions and ballistic missiles.
A significant number of the targets were intercepted, but some strikes got through.
A residential building was destroyed in Kharkiv. The search-and-rescue operation continued throughout the night as rescuers searched for people under the rubble. According to Zelensky, four people were killed, while 41 people were injured in Kharkiv over the course of the evening.
Kyiv, the president said, was attacked by five ballistic missiles that struck civilian infrastructure.
Zelensky says partners failed to provide warning
The president separately stressed that Ukraine did not receive a warning from its partners about the launch of Russian ballistic missiles toward Kyiv.
“Unfortunately, there was no warning from our partners about this strike. Intelligence data on the launch of Russian ballistic missiles helps save lives, and this is one of the most critical issues,” Zelensky said.
He emphasized that timely information about ballistic missile launches makes it possible to warn people and reduce casualties.
The president also said that direct or indirect support for Russia, delays in assistance to Ukraine and making it more difficult to protect lives from ballistic strikes would, in his view, not contribute to ending the war.
