- Russian forces have struck several energy plants in Ukraine, killing at least 11 people and injuring many others.
- In response, Ukraine also targeted Russian oil facilities in the Perm, Samara and Astrakhan regions.
- This came as both countries navigate proposals from four countries to end the war.
Russia-Ukraine War: In one of the biggest strikes on Ukraine, Russia on Wednesday fired over 70 missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's energy facilities, residential buildings and industrial infrastructure. The strikes have killed at least 15 people, including 3 children, across the country.
One Russian missile slammed into an apartment block in the northern city of Pryluky, killing at least nine people, including three children. Six other people were killed in Kyiv, Oleksandria and Kremenchuk during the heavy overnight attack.
"This was one of the most vile strikes: 70 missiles in total, many of them ballistic. One of the key targets was our energy infrastructure. The Russians wanted to strike painfully and demonstratively," Zelenskyy said on the Telegram app.
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Zelenskyy said that the Russian ballistic missiles remained the major challenge for Ukraine, adding that he and his team were "every day looking for Patriot (missile interception) systems that can and must protect people's lives".
The US-made Patriot system is the only weapon in Ukraine's arsenal capable of stopping high-velocity ballistic missiles, but tight global supplies have been drained by the Iran war this year as well as the Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine Fires Back:
In response, Ukraine also fired missiles on two Russian oil facilities and a training ground in Perm, Samara and Astrakhan regions, which Zelenskyy said are "justified Ukrainian responses to Russia". Ukraine also fired missiles on the Belgorod region, killing one and injuring four.
Calling the Ukrainian strikes justified responses, he said, "These are justified Ukrainian responses to all Russian attacks on our people." Zelenskyy further vowed to hit Russia's energy assets in response to Moscow's escalating strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Four Countries Send Ceasefire Proposals:
This came as both countries, fighting since 2022, are considering ceasefire proposals. Four countries, including India, Egypt, Turkiye, and the US, have sent proposals for a peace deal.
India, in its three-part plan, reportedly suggested that both nations should first reduce attacks and keep the important supplies moving. The plan also recommended an immediate halt to attacks on energy facilities in both nations.
"Continued movement of grain and energy through Black Sea ports, and a stop to attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea" are other suggestions recommended by India for a ceasefire.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on October 3 had said that Kyiv is ready to consider India's proposal. "We have four proposals. The broadest one is India's proposal. We are ready for an energy and Black Sea ceasefire, but only in this combination," the minister said.