Kyiv, October 10: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of carrying out deadly attacks targeting civilians.
Criticizing the diesel deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, he stated that Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine following the easing of sanctions.
According to Zelenskyy, at least 15 people, including three children, were killed in Russian attacks on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Saturday.
He alleged that providing economic relief to Russia could encourage Moscow to continue the war.
This attack occurred shortly after Trump announced a deal on Friday to purchase large quantities of diesel from Russia. Trump had stated that the aim of this decision was to lower fuel prices in the US and global markets.
Zelenskyy Says Russia Responded to Sanctions Relief with Bombs
Zelenskyy stated on social media that Russia dropped glide bombs on residential areas of Zaporizhzhia after receiving relief from diesel export sanctions.
He alleged that Russia views any easing of sanctions as an opportunity to prolong the war.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow should not be given the impression that it can continue attacking Ukrainian cities without facing serious pressure.
The Ukrainian President warned that revenue generated from selling fuel to Russia could bolster its war capabilities. According to him, this could enable Russia to sustain the conflict longer and claim more lives.
Attack on Residential Buildings in Zaporizhzhia
According to Ukrainian officials, the Russian attacks targeted civilian homes and families. Several buildings were damaged following the attack, and some people were trapped in the rubble.
Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, stated that rescue workers were engaged in extracting people buried under the debris.
One woman was rescued safely after being trapped beneath the rubble for approximately eight hours.
Officials also reported that contact could not be established with some individuals during the rescue operation.
At around 5 a.m., the Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning stating that Russian tactical aircraft had launched guided aerial bombs towards Zaporizhzhia.
Officials also expressed concern regarding the risk of further attacks during the rescue operation. Zaporizhzhia is a key city in southeastern Ukraine, situated near the war’s front line; however, the regional capital remains under Ukrainian control.
Power supply in Kyiv also affected
Amidst the Russian attacks, reports of widespread power outages emerged in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The country’s largest private energy company stated that power supplies in several areas had been disrupted.
Attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have long been a significant aspect of the war. Zelenskyy has demanded that Russia cease its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities.
He stated that Ukraine is prepared to take steps to de-escalate tensions, but Russia must take reciprocal action.
Europe upset over Trump-Putin diesel deal
European leaders have criticized the diesel deal struck between Trump and Putin. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that this agreement could provide Russia with additional revenue to fund the war.
Kallas remarked that this is not the right time to ease pressure on Russia. She also noted that the European Union is preparing to impose new sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Russia’s war machine.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also expressed concern regarding the US agreement. They stated that energy revenues serve as a crucial source of funding for Russia’s war effort.
Germany also clarified its commitment to maintaining existing sanctions against Russia and working alongside European allies on further sanctions.
Potential for Rising Tensions Between the US and Ukraine
Trump’s announcement regarding the diesel deal came at a time when US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Miami, discussing proposals to end the war with Ukrainian and European officials.
According to reports, the issue of halting Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries was also raised during these meetings.
Some reports claimed that if Ukraine did not stop such attacks, the US might consider curtailing intelligence sharing.
Trump believes that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries could strain global diesel supplies.
Conversely, Zelenskyy maintains that Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure must cease before he would consider taking steps to de-escalate tensions.
Recent Russian attacks and the diesel deal have further complicated efforts to end the war.
Ukraine alleges that providing economic relief to Russia will enable Moscow to prolong the conflict, whereas the Trump administration presents the deal as a measure to lower fuel prices.
Attention is now focused on the next steps the US and European nations will take regarding sanctions on Russia, and whether a concrete agreement can be reached to ease tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
