Zelenskyy urges more pressure on Russia to stop energy infrastructure attacks

2026-02-19 - 22:12

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Thursday for increased international pressure on Russia to halt its systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, warning that civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing campaign. Following a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih in Kyiv, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for greater support for affected populations. Record Attacks and Mounting Damage "There must be more pressure to stop these attacks and more support for our people—especially those who are currently in Ukraine or planning to return," Zelenskyy wrote on X. Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure reached 1,225 last year, eclipsing the total of the war's first three years combined, while damage to the power grid has surpassed $20 billion. The meeting marked Salih's first visit to Ukraine since assuming his UN role, with discussions focusing on the humanitarian consequences of the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. Energy Systems as Military Targets A recent report by Eurelectric analyzing the full-scale war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks across Europe confirmed that energy systems are no longer merely infrastructure but have become direct military targets. This shift in warfare tactics has profound implications for civilian populations, who face prolonged periods without electricity, heating, or water—particularly critical as winter conditions persist. The deliberate targeting of power generation and distribution facilities violates international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on infrastructure essential to civilian survival. Humanitarian Implications The conversation between Zelenskyy and Salih underscored the connection between infrastructure destruction and displacement. With millions of Ukrainians already displaced internally or abroad, continued attacks on energy systems threaten to trigger further waves of movement as living conditions deteriorate. The UN refugee agency's involvement signals growing international recognition that energy warfare has become a primary driver of humanitarian suffering, requiring coordinated response beyond traditional military and diplomatic channels.