President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia violated a direct agreement with the United States to refrain from striking energy infrastructure during the cold weather.
The President made the statement during his evening address on February 3, Hvylya reports.
According to Zelensky, the initiative to halt attacks on energy infrastructure during diplomatic efforts and severe cold snaps originated in Washington. It was a personal request from the US President. The Kremlin, however, ignored the proposal, responding with a massive bombardment.
"We expect a reaction from the United States to the Russian strikes. It was America's proposal: to halt energy strikes during this period of diplomacy and freezing winter weather. It was a personal request from the President of the United States," Zelensky emphasized.
He noted that less than four days had passed since the proposal when Russia launched a record ballistic missile strike. Zelensky cited this as proof that Moscow is weaponizing the cold because it cannot succeed on the battlefield through assaults.
"They lied before this war, and Russia started the full-scale invasion trying to deceive everyone about its intentions and about Ukraine. And now—even in these details, in agreements with America—it is Russian deception all over again. They are incorrigible in Moscow," the President remarked.
The Head of State also reported on domestic support initiatives. To date, 17.8 million Ukrainians have utilized the "Winter Support" program. Assistance for small businesses and sole proprietors to maintain generators and purchase fuel has also launched, with 4,000 applications received on the first day alone.
Additionally, 0% interest loans for generators are available, and the most vulnerable population groups are receiving direct payments.
"The support program for the most vulnerable social groups has worked: 374,000 Ukrainians have received aid of 6,500 hryvnias each," Zelensky concluded.
