President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia for escalating its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, claiming these actions aim to sow “chaos” within the country. In recent weeks, Russian forces have intensified aerial assaults targeting energy facilities and rail systems, leading to significant power outages and disruptions in transportation. This surge in violence has prompted the Ukrainian government to initiate evacuations of children from frontline villages.
During a press conference, Zelensky stated, “Russia’s task is to create chaos and apply psychological pressure on the population through strikes on energy facilities and railways.” These remarks followed a series of attacks that resulted in damage to energy infrastructure in the southern Black Sea region of Odesa, where port facilities were also affected.
In light of the ongoing conflict, Zelensky announced plans to send his prime minister and a senior sanctions advisor to the United States for discussions focused on air defense, energy, sanctions, and negotiations with Russia. The recent escalation mirrors previous Russian bombing campaigns from the winters of 2022, 2023, and 2024, which left millions of Ukrainians without heat or electricity for extended periods.
The situation has become increasingly dire as Russian attacks have pressured Ukraine’s gas infrastructure. Zelensky emphasized that further strikes could necessitate increased energy imports. He noted that Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian territory have yielded results, asserting, “We believe that they’ve lost up to 20 percent of their gasoline supply—directly as a result of our strikes.” He also indicated that there is evidence of Russia increasing imports from China and Belarus.
As Russian forces continue to advance along the front lines, the Ukrainian government is responding by evacuating children from Kramatorsk, a logistics hub in eastern Ukraine with a pre-war population of approximately 147,000. The town, situated about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the front lines in the Donetsk region, has seen its population dwindle to around 50,000 due to the ongoing conflict. Local officials cited a rise in Russian attacks utilizing small, cost-effective drones, which have altered the dynamics of the fighting.
The mayor of nearby Sloviansk, Vadym Lyakh, has urged residents, particularly the elderly and families with children, to evacuate, at least temporarily, due to the risks posed by intensified attacks on heating facilities. “It is time to evacuate. At least for the period of the heating season,” Lyakh stated in a social media post. Earlier reports indicated that seven people were wounded during strikes on Sloviansk.
In retaliation, Ukraine has targeted energy facilities within the Russian border region of Belgorod, leading to power outages. On Thursday, the Ukrainian military confirmed strikes on energy infrastructure, including a gas processing plant in the Volgograd region.
The conflict continues to evolve, with both sides adapting their strategies as the harsh winter approaches. The humanitarian impact of these ongoing attacks remains a pressing concern for officials and civilians alike.
