President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is escalating the conflict on a daily basis, moving from strikes against Ukrainian logistics to attacks on bridges, data centres and communications infrastructure. According to him, the Kremlin should not expect such actions to go unanswered by Ukraine. The Head of State made these remarks on 4 October in Kyiv whilst speaking to journalists alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Zelenskyy stated that Russia is deliberately moving towards a further escalation of the war.
- Following strikes on logistics facilities, the Russian Federation is now targeting bridges, data centres and communications infrastructure.
- Ukraine has already retaliated with strikes on Wildberries’ logistics infrastructure in Russia.
- The President emphasised that new Russian attacks would not go unanswered either.
Zelenskyy announced a new phase of Russian attacks
The President noted that he was not surprised by Russia’s hostile attitude towards Ukraine, but he described the nature of the latest attacks as indicative of Moscow’s constant desire to escalate the situation.
Zelensky pointed out that Russian troops had previously carried out strikes on Ukrainian logistics facilities, in particular the infrastructure of «Nova Poshta» and «Ukrposhta». Following this, Ukraine attacked the logistics centres Wildberries on Russian territory. In July, Zelenskyy stated that the targeted facilities were being used to supply components subject to sanctions, in particular for the production of drones.
«They were targeting our warehouses: “Nova Poshta”, “Ukrposhta” and so on. We gave them a fitting response via Wildberries. Now they’re targeting bridges. Do they really think we won’t retaliate?» said Zelenskyy.
Russia is attacking bridges and digital infrastructure
The President also drew attention to the attacks on bridges, data centres and mobile communications facilities. According to him, such infrastructure directly supports people’s everyday lives and cannot be regarded solely as military infrastructure.
On the morning of 4 October, a Russian drone struck the North Bridge in Kyiv once again. The road surface and a heating main were damaged. The day before, the same bridge had also been hit by a Russian strike.
A few days earlier, following a Russian attack, the «Parkovy» data centre in Kyiv sustained critical damage. The company reported that the site had ceased operations entirely, whilst customer data had been migrated to a backup infrastructure in the EU.
«He is very keen to see a continuous escalation»
Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest actions as proof that Moscow is not abandoning its course towards further escalation of the war.
«I am simply genuinely surprised by this savage desire to escalate the situation on a daily basis. In other words, he is counting on there being constant escalation. He really wants this,» said the president.
According to Zelenskyy, the Russian attacks also demonstrate the futility of an approach whereby the war can only be brought to an end by calls for Vladimir Putin. The President emphasised that Moscow is continuing its attacks even on the day that foreign leaders are visiting Kyiv. On 4 October, the German Chancellor is on an official visit to the Ukrainian capital Friedrich Merz.
