Russian strikes on Ukraine do not stop for a single day amid peace talks. The Kremlin is using massive attacks on energy infrastructure as a direct lever of pressure on Kyiv, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He emphasizes that there is now virtually no power plant in Ukraine that has not been hit by Russian missile or drone attacks. He adds that air defense is now Ukraine's diplomatic leverage.
“For many months, the primary target of Russian drones and missiles has been our energy sector. In fact, there is currently not a single intact power plant left in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy says.
The consequences of this strategy are already felt daily: in Kyiv, electricity outages last up to nine hours a day, while in Odesa, residents have been without power for a fourth consecutive day following the latest strike.
Air defense becomes a key diplomatic leverage
The president directly linked Ukraine’s defensive capabilities to its negotiating position.
“The ability to shoot down Russian missiles and drones is our additional leverage in negotiations is our additional leverage in diplomacy,” Zelenskyy stressed.
According to him, Putin uses the brutality of the strikes as a tool of pressure, attempting to impose his terms through fear, darkness, and cold.
Despite extensive destruction, Ukraine continues to restore electricity supplies as quickly as possible after each attack.
Frozen Russian assets and partner support remain critical
Amid relentless attacks, Ukraine critically depends on continued support from its allies. Zelenskyy also highlighted the issue of frozen Russian assets in the EU.
“These funds must fully and effectively work to protect against Russian aggression. This is fair. This is reasonable. And this must be achievable,” the Ukrainian president said.
He also announced that Berlin is preparing to open one of the first offices focused on arms exports and joint defense manufacturing projects with Germany, Ukraine’s largest trading partner in Europe.
Against the backdrop of diplomatic statements, the reality remains unchanged: Russian strikes continue every day.
That is why air defense, energy resilience, and international support are not only matters of survival, but also key to Ukraine’s ability to engage the aggressor from a position of strength.
