U.S. asked Ukraine not to strike Russian energy facilities — Zelenskyy

The United States requested that Ukraine refrain from targeting Russian energy facilities. However, the Russian strike on the energy infrastructure of Poltava region on June 15, 2025, is a “Russian spit in the face” of all efforts by the international community to stop this war.

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his evening address on June 15.

“Today, our rescuers dealt with the aftermath of the Russian strike on the Poltava region – on Kremenchuk. It was a combined attack, deliberately and treacherously planned to target our civilian infrastructure – specifically, our energy facilities,” the President said.

He emphasized that the Russians used various types of missiles in the attack: cruise, ballistic, and aeroballistic, along with Iranian "Shahed" drones.

“This was done to complicate the work of our air defense systems. A significant number of missiles and drones were intercepted,” Zelenskyy added.

No people were injured during the June 15 attack, but the energy infrastructure sustained damage.

“This is Russia’s spit in the face of everything the international community is trying to do to stop this war. It happened right after Putin’s conversation with Trump. After the Americans asked us not to strike Russian energy facilities,” the Ukrainian President said.

He noted that, at the same time, Kremlin leader Putin is “trying to portray himself as a mediator” in the Middle East.

“Or at least to somehow assist his accomplices in Tehran,” Zelenskyy added.

He further stated that Russia is planning additional attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with intelligence from partner countries confirming these intentions.