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Zelensky warns Russia of retaliation for energy strikes

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 2:44 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Zelenskyy Warns Retaliation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Russia it will face retaliation if it strikes Ukraine’s energy system this winter.
He said Ukraine can respond symmetrically to any Russian power-grid attack.
He proposed a targeted energy truce to protect both countries’ power infrastructure.
He urged unblocking the Black Sea to resume grain exports.
He warned the Black Sea deadlock could cause severe food shortages for the Global South.

Summary

Zelensky Visits Canada

Canada pledged a C$350 million air-defence package for Ukraine through the U.S. Jumpstart mechanism.
President Volodymyr Zelensky made his first Ukrainian state visit to Canada, declaring a 100-year partnership.
Canada has provided roughly C$26 billion in aid to Ukraine since the 2022 invasion.
Over one million Canadians of Ukrainian descent are actively participating in projects supporting Kyiv.
Ukraine said it struck a Russian oil refinery in Yamalo-Nenets and a Dagestan seaport overnight.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, NATO’s air campaign against Yugoslavia deliberately targeted Serbia’s power grid, crippling electricity for millions and prompting international debate over civilian infrastructure attacks. The United States led the operation, executing roughly 1,000 sorties that dropped over 10,000 tonnes of ordnance on Belgrade and surrounding regions. Today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns Russia of retaliation for power-grid strikes, and Canada pledges C$350 million air-defence aid, mirroring NATO’s past focus on safeguarding civilian energy. The precedent underscores that modern conflicts increasingly weaponize electricity, prompting international partners to prioritize resilient grids and coordinated defense funding.

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Zelenskyy Warns Retaliation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Russia it will face retaliation if it strikes Ukraine’s energy system this winter.
He said Ukraine can respond symmetrically to any Russian power-grid attack.
He proposed a targeted energy truce to protect both countries’ power infrastructure.
He urged unblocking the Black Sea to resume grain exports.
He warned the Black Sea deadlock could cause severe food shortages for the Global South.

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