Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia to cease its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy underscored this stance during his meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, marking Salih’s inaugural visit to Ukraine. Their discussions centered on the impact of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy systems and the necessary support for civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict, as Zelenskyy noted on the US social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy highlighted that there must be more pressure to halt these attacks and more support for the Ukrainian people, particularly those currently residing in Ukraine or considering their return. The scale of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was significant last year, with 1,225 incidents recorded, surpassing those in the first three years of the conflict. The damage inflicted on the energy grid has exceeded $20 billion.

A report by Eurelectric has further analyzed the comprehensive conflict in Ukraine, including “grey zone” hybrid attacks across Europe. The findings reveal that energy systems have transitioned from being merely infrastructural elements to becoming direct military targets in the ongoing conflict.