Zelensky and Trump talk about Russian attacks against Ukraine’s energy system

Lviv (Ukraine).- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, informed his American counterpart, Donald Trump, about the latest Russian attacks on the country’s energy system and discussed ways to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses, in a telephone call held between the leaders on Saturday afternoon. “I informed President Trump about the Russian attacks on our energy sector. I appreciate his willingness to support us,” Zelensky revealed on Telegram after the conversation, which he described as “very productive” and in which he also congratulated Trump on his “successful agreement” to end the war in the Middle East. According to Zelensky, the presidents discussed the possibilities of strengthening Ukrainian air defenses and the specific ways of doing so that “are currently being prepared”.

“There are good options, strong ideas on how to really strengthen ourselves,” the Ukrainian leader underlined, pointing out the importance of “strength” to force Russia to engage “in genuine diplomacy.”

Ukrainian air defenses are currently intercepting 74% of the drones and missiles launched by Russia, Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Sirski reported on Saturday. “New challenges await us. Over the last month, the enemy has increased the number of weapons used in air attacks by 30%,” he warned and underscored the need to redouble efforts to protect the energy sector and critical infrastructure in the rear.

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Emergency repairs are underway to restore the energy infrastructure that was damaged by massive Russian attacks on Friday and Saturday, Ukraine’s Energy Ministry also reported on Saturday. The extensive emergency power cuts, which affected nine regions, including 800,000 homes in Kyiv on Friday and 240,000 homes in Odesa on Saturday, have been canceled after electricity supply was restored to most homes. Repairs continue amid the constant threat of new attacks with drones and Russian missiles, and two energy sector specialists died in the northern Chernihiv region late Friday, the Ministry reported.