President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is continuing to launch attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, general logistics and critical infrastructure, whilst Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes are already having a tangible impact on Russia. The statement came against the backdrop of discussions regarding a possible mutual cessation of attacks on critical infrastructure. The day before, Zelenskyy had emphasised that Ukraine was prepared to take such a step only on condition that its partners could ensure a genuine and long-term cessation of Russian strikes.
- Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukraine’s energy and logistics sectors.
- Zelenskyy described Ukraine’s responses as «substantial».
- Ukraine is open to a mutual cessation of attacks on infrastructure.
- Kyiv is demanding guarantees that Russia will abide by the agreements.
Zelenskyy spoke of «tangible» responses from Russia
According to the president, the Russian army continues to systematically attack facilities that are essential for Ukrainians to lead a normal life.
«Russia continues to launch attacks on our energy sector, ordinary logistics and critical infrastructure. And our response to them is significant,» said Zelenskyy.
Over the past few months, Ukraine has stepped up long-haul operations against targets in Russia that support its military economy. Zelenskyy had previously stated that the targets of Ukrainian operations include, in particular, the Russian Federation’s oil refining, military and logistics infrastructure.
In July, Ukraine also established a separate long-range strike command to coordinate strikes against targets that underpin Russia’s ability to wage war.
Russia has continued its attacks following talks of an «energy truce»
The President’s statement came after the US President Donald Trump reported regarding the alleged agreement between Ukraine and Russia not to attack each other’s energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy clarified that There is no formal agreement as yet. According to him, Ukraine is prepared to support the US proposal if Washington can ensure that Moscow is genuinely prepared to abide by it.
The President emphasised that any potential agreement should not be a short-term truce, but a robust mechanism that would effectively protect the civilian population, the energy sector and food supplies.
At the same time, Ukraine is not convinced that Moscow is prepared to honour any such agreement.
On the day of the announcement, Russia attacked Kyiv once again
On 15 September, Russian troops attacked the Ukrainian capital once again. A drone struck a petrol station in Kyiv, whilst in another part of the city, the strike targeted the warehouse infrastructure.
The attack took place just one day after statements were made regarding a possible cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure. Russia has recently stepped up its attacks on Ukraine’s fuel infrastructure — over the past few months, around 300 petrol stations have been targeted, mainly in regions close to the front line.
Zelenskyy himself had emphasised the day before that Ukrainian targets remain among Russia’s objectives energy facilities, port infrastructure, logistics, food and pharmaceutical warehouses.
Ukraine is ready for de-escalation, but only if it is mutual
Kyiv’s position remains the same: if Russia ceases its attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, Ukraine is prepared to refrain from carrying out retaliatory strikes against Russian targets.
Zelensky called this is a potential the first step towards de-escalation and an end to the war, but stressed that Ukraine needs concrete details from its partners and guarantees that Moscow will honour the agreements.
Until such guarantees are in place, Ukraine continues to respond to Russian attacks. According to the President, strikes against Russia’s «war economy» are already putting significant pressure on the Russian Federation.
