Zelensky warns of Russian attack during US elections and calls for tougher pressure on Moscow

Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia could launch another massive attack on Ukraine, taking advantage of the day of the US midterm elections to strike the country’s energy infrastructure.

In a video posted on X, the Ukrainian president said Kyiv had received intelligence indicating preparations for new attacks on energy facilities and supply networks. He noted that the world’s attention could be focused on the US election process, leaving developments in Ukraine in the background.

“The assessment is that tomorrow, world public opinion will be focused on the US midterm elections, as a result of which what is happening here in Ukraine, as well as the difficulties we face with air defense and Patriot missiles, will take a back seat,” Zelensky said.

He called on Washington to increase pressure on Moscow, particularly by limiting the revenue Russia earns from selling oil and gas.

“We cannot play games with Russia’s oil or gas revenues. We must exert such pressure on Russia that it has no choice but to end this war. America can achieve this,” the Ukrainian president said.

Zelensky stressed that the international community must send Moscow a clear message: attacks on civilians and infrastructure will bring it no benefit.

“We need messages from the international community to Russia making it clear that terrorism does not work and brings no benefit,” he said.

The president also raised concerns about the difficulties facing Ukraine’s air defenses and the shortage of Patriot missile systems, which are essential for countering Russian attacks.