Zelenskyy Warns Russia of Retaliation as Ukraine’s Power Grid Faces Fresh Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has threatened to retaliate against Russia if Moscow continues attacking Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure ahead of winter, raising fresh doubts about a proposed energy ceasefire.
Speaking at a gathering of European security officials in Warsaw on Monday, October 12, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would respond if Russia refused to halt attacks on energy facilities.
His warning followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an immediate energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy said he was surprised by the announcement, insisting neither country had agreed to the arrangement.
Russia subsequently attacked a power station in Kharkiv, while parts of Kyiv experienced electricity outages. Zelenskyy said Russian forces had struck six energy facilities on Monday, injuring 33 people.
The dispute has further strained relations between Washington and Kyiv following Trump’s decision to lift restrictions on Russian diesel exports.
The US president defended the move as necessary to reduce fuel prices, while Zelenskyy warned it could generate additional revenue for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
European leaders have backed Ukraine, questioning whether Moscow intends to respect the proposed ceasefire.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there was still no evidence that Russia would honour the arrangement.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin declined to confirm whether it accepted Trump’s announcement, maintaining that a broader peace agreement was necessary before major concessions could be considered.
Reports also indicate that Washington has threatened to restrict military procurement arrangements and intelligence sharing if Ukraine refuses to stop long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries.
Despite the growing diplomatic pressure, Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine will defend its energy infrastructure if Russian attacks continue.
The escalating dispute threatens to complicate efforts to secure Ukraine’s power supply before winter.
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