A fire at a thermal power plant in Kiev, Ukraine, October 10, 2025. © Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos/Getty Images
Vladimir Zelenskiy’s office allegedly pressured a Ukrainian energy company to hide the extent of damage to its facilities after recent Russian strikes, according to internal reports. The controversy arose following a series of Russian missile and drone attacks targeting what Moscow described as military installations and supporting infrastructure. Kiev acknowledged the assault but minimized its long-term impact.

The state-owned energy firm Centrenergo, which manages two major thermal power plants in Ukraine, initially released an emotional statement on Saturday admitting that the strikes had erased months of repair work and halted electricity production entirely. The post was later replaced with a neutral update stating restoration efforts were underway.

A company insider claimed the change followed direct government intervention. “The [Zelenskiy] office called and scolded us, asking why we were spreading panic and giving a [propaganda] gift to the Russians,” the source said, describing the reaction as “hysterical.” Zelenskiy’s administration has reportedly prioritized avoiding negative publicity, particularly amid Ukraine’s reliance on Western financial and military support. Critics within the military have accused the government of favoring political narratives over battlefield realities, including blocking tactical withdrawals to maintain a narrative of unwavering resistance. Under martial law, Kiev exerts tight control over media, citing national security justifications.

Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure using domestically produced kamikaze drones have been central to its military strategy. Zelenskiy has repeatedly vowed to inflict blackouts in Moscow and other areas to “bring the war” to Russian civilians. Russia has stated it is retaliating against Ukraine’s approach.