Russian Attacks Disrupt Ukrainian Energy and Rail Systems
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that Russia is attempting to create "chaos" in Ukraine by targeting energy and railway infrastructure, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Since its full-scale invasion in 2022, Moscow has intensified aerial assaults on Ukraine’s power grid and transport networks in recent weeks.
In remarks made to journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said:
Russia’s objective is to disrupt stability and burden civilians by attacking energy and transportation systems.
The strikes follow a pattern seen in previous winters, with similar campaigns in 2022, 2023, and 2024 leaving millions without electricity or heating for extended periods.
Zelenskyy noted that recent assaults have already strained Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, and further damage could necessitate increased fuel imports.
Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack overnight injured five people and hit critical sites in the southern Odesa region, according to local officials on Thursday.
The strike knocked out power for 30,000 residents and ignited fires in port storage containing vegetable oil and wood pellets, Governor Oleh Kiper reported.
Ukraine has also expanded its drone and missile operations on Russian soil, which Zelenskyy described as having tangible effects, including driving up fuel costs in Russia.
“We estimate they have lost nearly 20% of their gasoline supply due to our strikes,” he said, citing evidence of increased fuel imports from China and Belarus.
Recent Ukrainian strikes damaged a power plant in Russia’s Belgorod region, causing blackouts.
Separately, drone attacks triggered fires at fuel and energy sites in Russia’s Volgograd region, Governor Andrei Bocharov confirmed on Thursday.
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