Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urgently calls for increased air defence support to protect the country’s energy infrastructure, as Russia destroys half of Ukraine’s power production capacity. In a two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference in Germany, Zelenskyy underscores the need for seven Patriot missile systems and other aerial defenses to shield urban centers from missile attacks.
Amid widespread destruction and rolling blackouts caused by Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, Zelenskyy emphasizes the necessity of repairing damaged heating and electricity plants to address the immediate crisis. With nine gigawatts of capacity destroyed, including thermal and hydroelectric power, Ukraine faces a dire energy shortage.
As the Russian onslaught continues, Amnesty International denounces the attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as war crimes. The mayor of Kharkiv adds his support for increased air defense, citing the effectiveness of Ukrainian counterattacks in reducing enemy assaults on the city.
Despite these efforts, Russia’s aggression persists, with recent bombings in Kharkiv damaging civilian buildings. The city remains a prime target for Russian forces seeking to advance their territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.
As Zelenskyy embarks on a week of diplomatic engagements, including the G7 summit and a peace conference, the urgent need for international support to defend Ukraine’s energy resources becomes increasingly evident.