Since US President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire a week ago, Russia has deliberately attacked Ukraine’s energy and oil-and-gas infrastructure 76 times.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this on social media.
Last night alone, on 17 October, Russian forces struck substations in Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi and Odesa regions.
“Tens of thousands of families remain without electricity. Energy workers and repair crews are working virtually around the clock on restoration,” the President said.
During the night, Russians also attacked residential buildings in Ukrainian regions. As of the time of the statement, it was known that 12 people had been injured, including two children. Two more people were killed.
In the morning, Russian forces struck an agricultural enterprise in Volyn. According to the President, all necessary services are working at the scene.
Overall, over the past week Russia has launched nearly 2,700 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs and 66 missiles at Ukraine, most of them ballistic.
“The main targets of these strikes are precisely the energy sector; the Russians are trying to create a blackout,” the President stressed.
Zelenskyy also addressed the United States: “America must see that Russia is not taking steps towards peace in response to sanctions being lifted or to agreements. On the contrary, they interpret every signal that they might be able to make money as proof that betting on war is working and that they can keep fighting. It is because of this Russian stance that the war continues, not because Ukraine is rightly defending itself. It is Russia that must be put under pressure if peace is to have a chance. Thank you to everyone who understands this and helps,” the President emphasised.