Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed calls for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure Friday following what Ukrainian officials described as a "massive" Russian assault involving 58 missiles and nearly 200 drones. The strikes targeted energy facilities nationwide, from Kharkiv in the east to Ternopil in the west, intensifying debates over de-escalation efforts in the three-year conflict.
Zelenskyy emphasized that halting cross-border attacks on energy grids and ports could serve as a critical first step toward broader peace negotiations. "Ukraine is ready to go the way of peace," he stated in a social media post, urging international pressure to "force Russia to stop the war."
While Ukraine's allies, including Turkey, expressed support for the proposal, the Kremlin rejected any temporary ceasefire, asserting that dialogue must reflect "current realities." Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who recently hosted Zelenskyy, backed the initiative, highlighting growing diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian and economic fallout of prolonged hostilities.
Emergency crews in Kharkiv battled fires caused by the strikes, with images showing debris-strewn streets and damaged power stations. Analysts warn that sustained attacks on energy infrastructure threaten Ukraine's economic stability and civilian safety ahead of winter.
