Kyiv:
Russia launched a "massive" drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy facilities on Friday, as President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated calls for a mutual halt to aerial assaults on critical infrastructure.
Zelensky’s appeal to stop bombing energy facilities comes amid increasing discussion from Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow about ending the war, now in its fourth year. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the first steps toward genuine peace should involve halting both Russian and Ukrainian aerial and naval attacks.
"Ukraine is ready to pursue peace, and it has desired peace from the very first moment of this war. The challenge is to compel Russia to end the war," Zelensky wrote in a social media post.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia had launched at least 58 missiles and nearly 200 drones, damaging energy facilities across the country, from Kharkiv in the east to Ternopil in the west. Images released by emergency services showed firefighters battling a blaze amidst streets littered with debris in the Kharkiv region.
The Kremlin dismissed earlier calls by Zelensky for a halt to aerial attacks, ruling out any temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.
Allies Back Truce Proposal
Zelensky’s international allies have expressed support for his ceasefire proposal. On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who recently hosted Zelensky, also backed the idea.
Air and Sea Ceasefire
"We support the idea of establishing a ceasefire as soon as possible and halting attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties," Erdogan stated during an online meeting.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday that it had conducted "precision" strikes on energy facilities, claiming they support Ukraine’s military operations. "Russia is targeting facilities linked to Ukraine’s military-industrial complex," said Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine’s Defense Efforts
The Ukrainian air force deployed French Mirage fighter jets—delivered last month—for the first time to repel the aerial assault. Along with air defense units, they successfully shot down 34 missiles and 100 drones.
Energy Facilities Targeted
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, reported that its facilities in the Odesa region were targeted for a fourth consecutive night. Gas facilities in the central Poltava region were also struck, causing them to "cease operations." State gas company Naftogaz confirmed damage to its production facilities but did not provide details.
Authorities in at least five Ukrainian regions confirmed that Russian attacks had targeted energy infrastructure.
International Response
The latest Russian air assault occurred after EU leaders, concerned about the potential disengagement of the United States, agreed to strengthen the European bloc’s defenses.
US-Ukraine Talks Resume
Washington announced that discussions with Kyiv were back on track to secure a ceasefire with Moscow, following a public dispute between former US President Donald Trump and Zelensky.
A senior Ukrainian official stated that US and Ukrainian officials are expected to meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, with Zelensky expressing hope for a "meaningful meeting." Zelensky himself is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said he would discuss an "initial ceasefire" with Ukrainian negotiators and a "framework" for a longer-term agreement.
Humanitarian Impact
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, accused Russia of trying to "hurt ordinary Ukrainians by shelling energy and gas production facilities."
In Kharkiv, eight people were wounded in Friday’s strike, including a woman rescued alive from the rubble, according to city officials. On Thursday night, the Ukrainian emergency service reported damage to "critical infrastructure" in the Odesa region, though no injuries were recorded.
In the Ternopil region, a "critical industrial facility" was struck by Russian missiles overnight, Governor Vyacheslav Negoda confirmed.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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