Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Tuesday of showing “complete disregard” for international law and agreements. This came after Russia launched a series of intense missile and drone attacks targeting several regions in Ukraine, coinciding with Moscow’s call for a ceasefire.
Heavy casualties in Poltava and Kharkiv
Local officials reported that five people were killed, including members of rescue teams who were attempting to contain the aftermath of the strikes. Dozens more were injured in overnight attacks that directly targeted energy infrastructure.
In the Poltava region of central Ukraine, a combined Russian missile and drone attack killed four people and injured 31 others. In the Kharkiv region, the prosecutor’s office reported one death and two injuries from Russian strikes.
Zelensky’s response: Actions, not words
In a post on the X platform, Zelenskyy asserted that Russia has demonstrated a stark contradiction between its diplomatic rhetoric and its actions on the ground.
The Ukrainian president stated, “Russia can cease fire at any moment, and this would end the war and our response. We need peace, and concrete steps must be taken to achieve it.”
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to reciprocate any genuine and serious steps toward de-escalation. However, it will not stand idly by while its civilians and vital infrastructure are targeted.
systematic targeting of energy
This new wave of attacks comes at a critical time. Russian forces are deliberately targeting electricity and energy infrastructure to weaken the Ukrainian home front.
Observers believe the timing of the attack, which followed Russian calls for a ceasefire, reinforces the Ukrainian narrative. They argue that Moscow is using ceasefire proposals as a tactical maneuver to regroup or mislead the international community, while simultaneously escalating military operations that are claiming the lives of civilians and aid workers. Ukrainian emergency teams are continuing to clear rubble and repair the damage caused by Russian missiles. This comes amid warnings that the ongoing bombardment will further exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the targeted areas.
