In an escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure overnight. This assault followed the US announcement to halt military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a ceasefire in the skies and seas, stressing that a lasting peace requires Russia to cease its attacks on civilian infrastructures.
Russian forces targeted energy infrastructure, leading to the wounding of at least 10 people, including a child. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko branded the attack as “massive”, stating that Russia aims to leave Ukraine without light and heat, causing maximal harm to the population.
The Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, justified energy supplies as legitimate targets in the ongoing conflict, claiming these supplies support Ukraine’s “military industrial complex and weapons production”.
Hours before the strike, Zelenskyy announced that peace negotiations would proceed in Saudi Arabia. Proposed initial steps for ending the conflict include halting missile, drone, and bomb attacks on energy and civilian infrastructures, as well as halting combat operations in the Black Sea.
French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a four-week truce covering the air, sea, and energy infrastructure, though excluding frontline battles, suggesting a mechanism to gauge Russia’s commitment to peace. However, Russia has yet to respond to these peace proposals.
Zelenskyy also expressed willingness to work under US leadership for lasting peace, a shift from his previous stance following a disagreement with the former US administration. The US has temporarily paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, contingent on Ukraine’s willingness to return to negotiations swiftly.
