Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure as Global Attention Shifts to the Middle East – Ukraine’s FM
Ukrainian officials have strongly condemned Russia’s recent missile and drone attack on the energy infrastructure of Kremenchuk, calling it a calculated move by Moscow to exploit global focus on the Middle East, The Gaze reports.
“Yesterday’s barbaric attack on Kremenchuk’s energy infrastructure is part of Russia’s campaign to bomb Ukrainian civilian energy infrastructure,” wrote Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister.
The attack, which took place overnight on June 15, involved a combination of missiles and drones and is considered one of the most extensive assaults on the city since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Local media reported at least 30 explosions in Kremenchuk, with widespread images circulating online showing massive fires and severe destruction.
Sybiha accused Moscow of using the current Israel-Iran tensions to deflect international scrutiny from its war in Ukraine. “Moscow intends to attack Ukraine’s energy grid while the world’s attention is on the Middle East. This is especially cynical given Putin’s ongoing attempts to imitate constructiveness toward US peace efforts. In reality, he shows complete disregard for them by ramping up terror against Ukraine.”
Calling for a tougher international response, Sybiha urged Western allies to escalate sanctions against Russia’s energy sector. “Instead of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy, our partners’ strategy should be to hit Russian energy hard with devastating sanctions.
Oil price cap of $30, new restrictions on ‘shadow fleet’ and its captains, and other energy sanctions. Hit Putin where it hurts—this will advance, not impede, the peace process.”
As The Gaze previously reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to shift global attention away from his war against Ukraine by portraying Russia as a key mediator amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).