Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskyy says too early to declare victory over power grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was too soon to declare victory over the restored power in the country after Russian missiles bombarded the energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy also warned that there would be more assaults from Russia in the days ahead.

Zelenskyy praised the efforts of restoring power in Ukraine in his nightly address on Sunday. While thanking the workers who have restored energy after Friday’s bombardment, Zelenskyy also said it was too soon to declare victory over the manner as Russia is sure to launch more missile and drone attacks ahead.

“The very fact that…after a massive missile strike this week, we can have such peaceful energy days proves the professionalism of our energy workers,” said Zelenskyy. “We have to realize: this is not yet a decisive victory on the energy front. Unfortunately, there may be new terrorist attacks from Russia. There may be new restrictions if there is further destruction or growth in consumption.”

Zelenskyy said there would be scheduled power outages again when the working week starts on Monday. Energy minister German Galushchenko said the power deficit following the recent Russian attacks was reduced because of the “ultra-fast repair program” that made sure all nine nuclear power units on Ukrainian-controlled territory are working and connected to the grid.

“This is the best response of Ukrainian energy workers to enemy shelling,” said Galushchenko in a statement.

On Monday, the Netherlands’ defense ministry said in a statement that two Dutch fighter F-35 jets intercepted the formation of three Russian military aircraft close to Poland and escorted them out.

“The then unknown aircraft approached the Polish NATO area of responsibility from Kaliningrad,” the ministry said in the statement, referring to the Russian Baltic coast enclave between NATO and EU members Poland and Lithuania. “After identification, it turned out to be three aircraft: a Russian IL-20M Coot-A that was escorted by two Su-27 flankers. The Dutch F-35s escorted the formation from a distance and handed over the escort to NATO partners.”

The IL-20M Coot-A is the NATO alliance’s reporting name for the Russian Ilyushin IL-20M reconnaissance aircraft and the Su-27 flankers are the alliance’s reporting name for the Sukhoi Su-28 fighter aircraft.