Zelensky: Russia calculated its massive strike to inflict maximum damage on Ukraine's energy sector

According to Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a post on Facebook.

He noted that rescue and repair efforts are ongoing in many regions following the massive Russian assault.

"It was a combined strike, deliberately calculated to cause as much damage as possible to our energy sector. Nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles of various types were used, including ballistic ones. A significant number were shot down, but unfortunately there were also hits," Zelensky said.

In Odesa, tens of thousands of people are without heat and water supply after the drone strike. All necessary services are working to help. In total, 12 regions were targeted and, unfortunately, nine people have been reported injured, including children. More than ten residential buildings and railway infrastructure were damaged, Zelensky said.

He stressed that partners must respond to all these strikes against life.

"Russia must be held to account for its aggression. Our diplomacy will be more effective if there is justice and strength. Strength of pressure on the Russian Federation – sanctions pressure and steady, rapid support for the Ukrainian army and our air defense. For peace to be real and just, action must target the sole source of this aggression – because it is Moscow that continues the killings, massive attacks, and assaults," he wrote.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukrainian air defenses neutralized 25 missiles and 367 UAVs of various types used by Russian forces to attack Ukraine from the evening of February 16.

Ukrinform photos can be purchased here