Zelenskyy Condemns Russian Strikes on Energy Infrastructure Ahead of Victory Day

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denounced Russia’s latest nighttime attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as an act of “absolute cynicism.” The strikes, which killed four people including two emergency service workers, came just before Russia’s planned Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

“At night, the Russians attacked energy infrastructure in the Poltava region. And they struck very despicably with a second missile when State Emergency Service workers were already on site extinguishing the fire,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

The double-strike tactic—hitting a target and then attacking again when first responders arrive—has been documented multiple times throughout the conflict, drawing international condemnation as a potential war crime.

Among the four confirmed dead were two veteran emergency workers: Viktor Kuzmenko, who had been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine and had responded to more than 50 shelling incidents, and Dmytro Skryl, who had served in the State Emergency Service for over two decades.

The attacks were widespread across Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure in multiple regions. In the Kharkiv region, Russian forces conducted strikes on various targets. The Dnipro region saw attacks on critical infrastructure that wounded three people, while in Pavlohrad, damaged power lines left thousands of families without electricity. Strikes were also reported in Zaporizhzhia and the Kyiv region, where three more people were wounded.

Energy infrastructure has become a primary target in Russia’s strategy, particularly as Ukraine enters warmer months when energy demands typically decrease. Military analysts suggest this timing indicates Russia’s intent to inflict maximum long-term damage to Ukraine’s power grid before repair efforts can be completed ahead of the next winter season.

Zelenskyy’s remarks highlighting the “absolute cynicism” of Russia’s actions referred to Moscow’s traditional requests for ceasefire during its Victory Day commemorations, which celebrate the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The holiday holds significant importance in Russia’s national identity and serves as a cornerstone of President Vladimir Putin’s messaging about the conflict in Ukraine.

“Absolute cynicism is to ask for silence to hold propaganda celebrations and to launch such missile and drone strikes in all the days leading up to it,” the Ukrainian president said.

The timing of the attacks—occurring just before Russia’s most politically significant holiday—suggests a deliberate escalation ahead of planned ceremonies in Moscow. This pattern of intensified strikes before major Russian holidays or international events has become a recognizable feature of the conflict.

Zelenskyy’s response included a direct message regarding Ukraine’s stance on peace prospects: “Every day Russia can cease fire, and this will stop the war and our responses. Peace is needed, and for this, real steps are required. Ukraine will act in a mirror-like manner.”

This statement reinforces Ukraine’s position that any meaningful peace process must begin with Russia halting its military operations rather than with Ukrainian concessions. The “mirror-like manner” reference indicates Ukraine’s commitment to responding proportionally to Russian actions, whether escalation or de-escalation.

As Russia prepares for its Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, Ukrainian officials have warned citizens to remain vigilant for potential increased attacks. Meanwhile, the country’s energy operators are working to restore power to affected regions, with emergency crews continuing their dangerous work despite the demonstrated risks of follow-up strikes.