Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia on Friday that any attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this winter would be met with a response from Kyiv.
“Russia knows that if it attacks—and it is preparing to strike our energy system this winter—it will receive the same response,” Zelensky said in a statement on X. He added that if Russia causes power disruptions in Ukraine, Kyiv would seek to respond accordingly.
Despite the warning, Zelensky reiterated that negotiations remain Ukraine’s preferred path toward ending the war.
He called for progress toward a possible trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States, as well as a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, the reopening of the Black Sea and continued exchanges of prisoners and civilians, including Ukrainian children held in Russia.
Zelensky also warned that prolonging the war could create wider challenges for Russia and the global economy, particularly in terms of food and energy security. He said disruptions to grain exports through the Black Sea could further worsen shortages in vulnerable countries.
“It would be like Hormuz, but in agricultural terms. And that is a serious problem. Ukraine should not be expected to solve this alone because it affects many countries,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also urged the U.S. Congress to approve sanctions legislation backed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and called on President Donald Trump’s administration to take stronger measures against Moscow.
“Sanctions should be imposed now,” Zelensky said, arguing that sanctions would limit Russia’s ability to finance its ongoing war against Ukraine.
He also questioned why decisions on further measures could not be made more quickly, stressing the need for stronger international action against Russia.
