Zelensky Warns: ‘War is Returning to Russia’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning on Sunday (July 30) following a drone attack on Moscow, stating that the “war” was returning to Russia. His statement came after Russia claimed to have downed three Ukrainian drones over Moscow early Sunday. Meanwhile, Pope Francis called for Russia to reconsider its decision on the Black Sea grain deal.

Zelensky made the remarks hours after a night-time Ukrainian drone attack damaged two office blocks and injured one person in Moscow. He emphasized, “Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation,’ which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks.”

“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky added during his visit to the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk.

“Ukraine is getting stronger,” he concluded.

Drone Attacks on Moscow

On July 30, the Russian Defense Ministry alleged that three drones attacked Moscow in the early morning. According to their claims, two of the drones struck buildings in Moscow, while the third was destroyed over the Odintsovsky district in the Moscow region. Following the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that the facade of two buildings in the “Moscow City” business district had suffered “insignificant damage.”

The independent Russian media outlet, The Insider, reported that the targeted building housed the offices of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Federal Agency for Nationalities, and several other agencies.

Russia accused Ukraine of being responsible for the drone attack.

Zelensky warns of possible Russian power grid attacks

Zelensky cautioned that Kyiv anticipates renewed attacks on Ukraine’s energy system when the cold weather returns later this year. Last winter, about 40 per cent of the Ukrainian energy system suffered damage from Russian missile and drone strikes, leaving cities in darkness and cold. Kyiv accused these attacks of deliberately targeting civilians, considering them as war crimes, while Moscow asserted they were aimed at weakening Ukraine’s ability to fight.

Addressing senior government, security, and regional officials, Zelensky stressed the need to be prepared for potential terror against the Ukrainian energy industry during the upcoming fall and winter. 

He pledged comprehensive efforts at the government and security levels to safeguard the energy system from physical damage, sabotage, or cyberattacks. 

Additionally, Zelensky emphasized the importance of every city and town across Ukraine being ready to handle energy sector emergencies.

Pope Calls on Russia to Reinstate Black Sea Grain Deal

During his Sunday (July 30) Angelus message, Pope Francis called on Russia to reconsider its decision regarding the Black Sea grain deal.

The deal had allowed safe passage for Ukraine to ship grain via the Black Sea despite the ongoing war. Francis appealed to the Russian authorities, asking them to resume the Black Sea initiative for secure grain transportation.

During the message, the Pope also called for prayers for Ukraine, describing the conflict’s impact on the nation, even affecting the vital grain supply, as a “grave insult to God.” He emphasized the plight of millions suffering from hunger, stating that their cries are reaching the heavens.

Ukrainian President Zelensky welcomed the support from religious leaders on social media, highlighting the significance of their reaction to protect not only Ukraine but also vulnerable regions like Africa and Asia, which face severe food crises due to the threat of hunger caused by missile attacks and the destruction of agricultural products.