Zelensky: Russia strikes infrastructure due to lack of success on battlefield

Against the backdrop of failures on the battlefield, Russia has resorted to massive strikes on infrastructure and information campaigns to create an illusion of strength and pressure Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a joint press conference with President of Moldova Maia Sandu, Ukrinform reports.

"Since the beginning of this year, the balance of occupied and liberated territories is not in favor of the Russian Federation. As we said, they were preparing offensive actions at the end of 2025, and we understand they are preparing similar steps in 2026," Zelensky said.

According to him, Russia is trying to create the impression of its own success, particularly in communication with the United States.

"They are trying to sell to their population or reinforce narratives in communication with the United States of America that they are winning this war. But, in my opinion, they currently have nothing to rely on. That is why they started this," the President said.

He stressed that Russia continues its tactic of striking critical infrastructure to show at least some results, because "there are no successes on the battlefield."

The Head of State added that despite the numerical advantage of Russian troops, their losses are much higher.

Read also: Zelensky, Sandu discuss security, EU integration, economic cooperation

"Of course, there are more Russians than Ukrainians. And their losses are much higher. And of course, in some areas they try to advance, but as I told you, the balance this year is not in their favor," he said.

Zelensky also noted that Russia is trying to pressure Ukraine through information campaigns.

"Russia wants to influence partners informationally and then pressure Ukraine in various negotiation formats. They have no success," the President stressed.

According to him, Ukraine is currently intensifying its domestic weapons production and increasing its capabilities.

"We have now unblocked funds from the European Union. This (active attacks on peaceful cities and critical infrastructure) is, in my opinion, a reaction to the fact that they understand Ukraine is not alone and that there are funds for domestic production," the President said.

He acknowledged that Ukraine had lost some time in production and energy protection during the blocking of partner credit, but assured that the pace would be restored.

The Head of State stressed that Russia is expanding its targets, including logistics and water supply, and is also striking transport infrastructure.

"They strike Ukrzaliznytsia facilities. They strike railways, logistics, bridges… They strike everywhere," the President said.

At the same time, he emphasized that Ukrainian forces are repelling missile attacks and the authorities are ready to do everything possible to quickly restore damaged infrastructure.

"Our people are institutionally ready for this and rebuild everything very quickly," Zelensky added.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine's Defense Forces on April 25 and during the night of April 26 struck an oil refinery in the Russian city of Yaroslavl and air defense facilities of Russian forces in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Photo: Office of the President