Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning that Russia is preparing to launch a significant attack on Ukraine’s energy and logistics infrastructure. The warning comes as the international community’s attention is focused on the US midterm elections. In his address on November 2, Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations for new Russian strikes, emphasizing the vulnerability of Ukraine’s air defense systems as winter approaches.
Zelensky expressed concern over Ukraine’s shortage of air defense interceptors, including Patriot missiles, and called on the United States and its allies to increase pressure on Moscow by targeting Russian oil and gas revenues. The backdrop to this warning is a recent deadly Russian strike on a school in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, used for distributing humanitarian aid and sheltering civilians. This attack resulted in at least 26 casualties, including emergency workers and police officers, with rescue efforts still ongoing.
The strike on the school occurred shortly after a six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the neighboring Kherson region ended on November 1. The temporary truce had allowed for the evacuation of civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, though attempts to extend this ceasefire were unsuccessful. Despite the resumption of hostilities, diplomatic efforts are underway, with Ukrainian, Russian, and US officials scheduled to meet for US-mediated peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11, focusing on de-escalation, humanitarian aid, and post-war security arrangements.
Zelensky also accused Russia of intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s electricity distribution networks, complicating repair efforts. He noted that energy workers are tirelessly working to restore power supplies and stressed that protecting critical infrastructure remains a priority as the country faces the harsh winter months.