Ukraine will strike Russian energy facilities if Russia attacks Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in a video address on the evening of September 11.
“Ukraine has learned to find ways to respond appropriately to Russian strikes. I am not comparing this with the humanitarian catastrophes they are creating today. Ukraine does not act that way. Nevertheless, Ukraine is capable of responding to any Russian operation.
Russia knows that if they carry out strikes — and they are preparing to hit our energy system in winter — Russia will receive the same in return. If they cause blackouts for us, we will try to respond appropriately,” Zelenskyy said.
As an alternative, Kyiv is proposing talks with Moscow on ending the war.
“The negotiation process should concern ending the war. And if Russia does not want to end it, partners need to find an approach to Russia. If this is difficult to do, then today, at least, we need to move step by step. Unblock the Black Sea and find a way to establish an energy truce under which the energy infrastructure of both countries will be protected.
And, of course, continue the process of exchanging prisoners of war and returning our civilians, journalists and other citizens who were captured and thrown behind bars in the Russian Federation, as well as returning our Ukrainian children,” the Ukrainian president said.
Zelenskyy stressed that prolonging the war is a challenge not only for Ukraine but also for the Russian economy, and said it was necessary to move toward a trilateral meeting.
