Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia carried out a wave of overnight strikes on energy infrastructure across five cities, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 34 on the day Vladimir Putin turned 74.
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Key facts
- At least 11 people killed and more than 34 injured, according to Zelenskyy.
- Attacks hit Pryluky, Dnipro, Kremenchik, Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv.
- Strikes targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, Zelenskyy said.
- Zelenskyy called the attack 'a birthday gift for Putin,' who turned 74.
- He urged partners for stronger sanctions and more air defence and energy support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched “one of the most vile strikes” on Ukraine overnight, targeting the country’s energy infrastructure, according to the Guardian.
At least 11 people were killed and more than 34 injured in a series of attacks on Pryluky, Dnipro, Kremenchik, Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv, Zelenskyy said. He described the strikes ironically as “a birthday gift for Putin,” who turns 74 today.
“On Putin’s birthday, Russian generals brought him his favourite present: war crimes,” Zelenskyy said in remarks reported by the Guardian.
Zelenskyy also used the moment to assert that Russia is losing the war. “What Russian generals fail to tell Putin is that he is not winning this war and never will,” he said.
Zelenskyy called on Ukraine’s partners to increase pressure on Moscow. He urged “stronger sanctions on his military-industrial complex, including facilities producing ballistic missiles and the Rassvet satellite system,” as well as greater support for Ukraine.
He specifically asked for “all kinds of air defence and energy assistance ahead of winter,” framing such measures as “real presents that will help him finally choose diplomacy over war.” The Guardian’s account is based on Zelenskyy’s statements, and the casualty figures could not be independently verified.
Why it matters
The reported strikes highlight continued pressure on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches, raising concerns about civilian safety and power supply. Zelenskyy's appeal for stronger sanctions and air defence underscores how the conflict remains tied to decisions made by international partners.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed and injured in the attacks?
According to Zelenskyy, at least 11 people were killed and more than 34 injured in the series of overnight attacks.
Which cities were targeted?
The attacks hit Pryluky, Dnipro, Kremenchik, Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv, Zelenskyy said.
What support did Zelenskyy ask partners for?
He called for stronger sanctions on Russia's military-industrial complex, including ballistic missile facilities and the Rassvet satellite system, along with more air defense and energy assistance ahead of winter.
Timeline
- At least 11 dead, 34 injured after ‘vile’ attack on Ukraine on Putin’s birthday, Zelenskyy says – Europe live
The Guardian World: Ukraine president confirms series of attacks on Pryluky, Dnipro, Kremenchik, Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched “one fo the most vile strikes” on Ukraine last night, targeting the country’s energy infrastructure overnight. At least