In a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that the recent bombings targeting Ukraine’s energy grid were part of a broader aim to “demilitarize” Ukraine. Putin emphasized that the attacks were intended to influence Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and justify them as a response to Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia, including refineries.
Despite refraining from targeting Ukrainian electrical installations during the winter of 2022-2023 for humanitarian reasons, Russian forces have since launched a new wave of bombings targeting the Ukrainian electricity network. Dozens of missiles and drones have been directed at key infrastructure, leaving President Volodymyr Zelensky pleading for assistance from Western allies to provide anti-aircraft defense systems.
The ongoing attacks have raised concerns about the impact on civilian populations and the urgent need for measures to protect vital infrastructure. The Kremlin’s actions have been widely condemned by international leaders, who have called for an immediate ceasefire and restoration of peace in the region.
