Zelenskyy warns of Ukraine blackout after energy strikes, criticises US sanctions waiver

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on 17 October that Russia was trying to cause a blackout across Ukraine before winter, following attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. He said the threat to electricity and heating for millions made continued pressure on Moscow necessary, and criticised a US decision to waive new sanctions targeting Russian energy revenues.

Damage to Ukraine’s power system

Zelenskyy said more than 15 critical power generation and transmission facilities in different regions had been targeted. Restoration work was underway, he said, with emergency services and energy companies involved. He described the assault as one of the biggest on Ukraine’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces had struck Ukrainian infrastructure targets overnight, DW reported. The ministry’s account acknowledges infrastructure attacks but does not establish Zelenskyy’s claim about Russia’s intended nationwide impact.

Why Zelenskyy criticised the US sanctions waiver

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 16 October waiving new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russian energy revenues, two days before the measures were due to take effect, according to DW. Zelenskyy called the decision an ‘American sanctions blackout’ and said easing pressure on Russia would encourage Putin to keep striking.

Trump said in the order that the waiver was in the national interests of the United States, NBC News reported. The legislation, passed by Congress with strong majorities in both chambers, allows tariffs on goods from countries buying Russian oil and gas. It also requires an unclassified report to Congress before a waiver; Trump’s order said the White House had sent that report to Capitol Hill.

Zelenskyy separately told journalists in WhatsApp messages that he did not think the waiver would stop Putin, NBC News reported. His criticism links two immediate concerns for Ukraine: repairing facilities hit before winter and sustaining financial pressure on the country carrying out the strikes.