Zelenskyy: Ukraine has virtually no intact thermal power plants left

Energy infrastructure devastated

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russian strikes have left virtually no thermal power plants intact across his country, warning that Moscow aims to make civilian life unbearable as Kyiv braces for winter. Speaking at a joint press briefing in Belgrade alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Zelenskyy highlighted the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. "Virtually not a single thermal power plant remains intact because of Russian strikes, and Russian missiles are aimed specifically at making life unbearable for Ukrainians," he said, adding that train stations, hospitals and universities have also sustained damage.

Serbian assistance and trade talks

Zelenskyy secured fresh commitments from Belgrade during his first visit to the Balkan nation since taking office in 2019, with Serbia pledging a new humanitarian package for medical and energy supplies. The two countries signed a memorandum on animal health and food safety and discussed accelerating negotiations on a free trade agreement they aim to finalize by year-end, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader held talks with Prime Minister Duro Macut and expressed gratitude for Belgrade's decision to allocate €2 million to support Ukraine's energy sector, according to his statement on social media platform X. Bilateral cooperation on infrastructure, food security and reconstruction also featured prominently in the discussions.

Global peace efforts

Zelenskyy emphasized that diplomatic efforts to end the war must utilize every available channel across the globe. "Every opportunity be used for the sake of peace and guaranteed security – every available opportunity, in Washington, in Beijing, in the capitals of Europe, in the capitals of our partners in the Middle East and the Gulf, and in every capital around the world that has influence on the relevant processes," he added.