As international focus shifts towards the US midterm elections, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning of a potential large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy and logistics infrastructure. In his address on November 2, Zelensky highlighted intelligence reports indicating preparations by Russia for fresh strikes and expressed concerns over Ukraine’s shortage of air defense interceptors, such as Patriot missiles, especially as winter approaches.
The warning comes after a deadly Russian strike on a school in Komyshuvakha, located in the Zaporizhzhia region. The school, which was being utilized for distributing humanitarian aid and providing shelter to civilians, was hit, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 people, including emergency workers and police officers. Rescue operations are still ongoing in the area.
Meanwhile, diplomatic endeavors continue despite the renewed hostilities. Ukrainian, Russian, and US officials are slated to participate in another round of US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11. These discussions are expected to focus on de-escalation, humanitarian aid, and post-war security measures. The efforts come on the heels of a six-day humanitarian ceasefire in the neighboring Kherson region, which allowed for the evacuation of civilians from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. However, attempts to extend this ceasefire were not successful.
Further complicating the situation, Zelensky accused Russia of intensifying its attacks on Ukraine’s electricity distribution networks, which has hampered repair efforts. He emphasized that energy workers are continuously striving to restore power supplies and that protecting critical infrastructure would remain a priority as the country braces for the winter months.
In light of these developments, Zelensky has called on the United States and its allies to exert increased pressure on Moscow by targeting Russian oil and gas revenues, aiming to curb its military capabilities and aggression toward Ukraine.