Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late Sunday the coming week could be as difficult as the past week when Russian missile strikes caused widespread damage to the country's electrical grid.
Speaking during his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's military and other state entities are preparing, and he thanked the energy workers who have been able to restore power service.
"We understand that the terrorists are planning new strikes. We know this for a fact," Zelenskyy said. "And as long as they have missiles, they, unfortunately, will not calm down."
Russian airstrikes have repeatedly struck key infrastructure targets in Ukraine, knocking out important services as the winter season looms. Russian officials have denied targeting civilians with such strikes.
Continued US support
Newly empowered U.S. Republican lawmakers set to take leadership roles in the House of Representatives in January promised Sunday that Congress would continue to support Ukraine militarily in its fight against Russia but said there would be more scrutiny of the aid before it is shipped to Kyiv's forces.
Congressmen Michael McCaul of Texas and Mike Turner of Ohio told ABC's "This Week" program there would be continued bipartisan Republican and Democratic support for Ukraine as Republicans assume a narrow House majority, even though some opposition from both parties has emerged.
Turner, likely the new chairperson of the House Intelligence Committee, said, "We're going to make sure they get what they need. We will have bipartisan support."
McCaul, the likely head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, "If we give them what they need, they win."
But McCaul said there would be a difference in considering Ukraine aid from the outgoing Democratic control of the House when Republicans take over.
"The fact is, we are going to provide more oversight, transparency and accountability," he said. "We're not going to write a blank check."
Some material for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
