Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the United States to impose stronger sanctions on Russia after a Russian overnight attack damaged energy and critical infrastructure, leaving at least 600,000 people without electricity.
In a statement shared on social media, Zelenskyy disclosed that Russia had launched 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 attack drones and loitering munitions against targets in Kyiv, the surrounding region and Kharkiv.
He said that the strikes caused extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy system, including facilities that he argued should have been protected under a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump. “A targeted Russian ballistic missile strike specifically against energy infrastructure – the very infrastructure covered by the ceasefire announced by the American President,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The Ukrainian leader described the attack as deliberate. “The strike was entirely deliberate and demonstrative in its scale – Russia has never before shown such ostentatious disrespect toward the United States,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that the power outages could spread further, while repair crews worked to restore electricity and assess the damage. He said that the strikes had affected 26 facilities within Ukraine’s power system and four facilities in the oil and gas sector.
The Ukrainian President also reported fatalities and injuries but did not provide figures in his statement. He thanked Ukrainian energy workers, repair crews and personnel from the State Emergency Service for their efforts to address the consequences of the attack.
Zelenskyy urged Washington and other international partners to respond, stating, “We ask America and EVERYONE in the world who does not turn a blind eye to reality to respond – and to respond forcefully.”
The Ukrainian President specifically appealed to Trump to impose stronger sanctions against Moscow, pointing to legislation associated with US Senator Lindsey Graham.
“Russia has squandered the opportunity for de-escalation and has clearly chosen to continue its insane war of annihilation.
“We ask President Trump to impose STRONG sanctions on Russia, especially since the Lindsey Graham bill, which was recently passed and signed into law, authorizes and regulates such measures.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He argued that the US President has “all the effective and necessary tools to bring peace closer through strength, justice, and pressure on the aggressor.”
Zelenskyy Calls For Additional Patriot Missile Interceptors
Zelenskyy also called for additional Patriot missile interceptors, which Ukraine relies on to defend against Russian aerial attacks. “We ask for additional packages of Patriot missile interceptors for Ukraine,” he said.
The appeal comes as Ukraine continues to seek stronger air defence capabilities to protect cities, energy infrastructure and other critical facilities from missile and drone strikes.
Patriot systems are among the air defence capabilities Kyiv has sought from its partners. Additional interceptors would be intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to respond to incoming threats.
Zelenskyy framed the request as part of a broader argument that Ukraine should not be left to confront Russia without sufficient international support.
“It is entirely fair for us to tell the United States, Europe, and all our partners that no country in the world should be left alone to face such a deranged and pro-war actor as Russia.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine Warns Of Wider Consequences
The Ukrainian President’s statement also focused on the diplomatic implications of the strikes, particularly their timing in relation to the ceasefire announced by Trump.
Zelenskyy stresed that the attack on energy infrastructure showed that Russia did not regard Trump’s statements as carrying sufficient weight. “Russia does not consider the American President’s statements strong,” he said.
His remarks placed renewed pressure on Washington to demonstrate whether it would respond to the attack with additional measures against Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader also invoked the principle of peace through strength, calling on the United States to maintain pressure on Russia and continue supporting Ukraine’s defence. “Peace can only come through strength, and we ask America to remember this principle of Reagan’s,” he said.
The attacks on energy infrastructure pose an immediate challenge for Ukraine as authorities work to restore electricity and repair damaged facilities. The reported outages could affect households and businesses, while further damage to energy infrastructure could complicate efforts to maintain reliable supplies.
Zelenskyy’s appeal combines urgent requests for military assistance with calls for stronger economic pressure on Russia. He urged the United States, Europe and other partners to maintain their support, expressing gratitude to those helping Ukraine. “I am grateful to everyone who helps Ukraine!” he said, ending his statement with the phrase, “Glory to Ukraine!”
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