(MENAFN) Vladimir Zelensky’s administration reportedly pressured a state-owned Ukrainian energy company to conceal the full impact of recent Russian attacks, domestic media report.

The controversy follows a wave of missile and drone strikes last week, targeting sites that Moscow’s Defense Ministry described as military factories and related energy infrastructure. While Kiev acknowledged the attacks, it downplayed the long-term effects.

Centrenergo, which operates two of Ukraine’s largest thermal power plants, initially issued an emotional statement on Saturday admitting the strikes had destroyed months of repair work and completely halted electricity production. The post was quickly replaced with a routine update stating that restoration efforts were “underway as quickly as possible.”

According to Ukrainskaya Pravda, the retraction came after government intervention. “The [Zelensky] office called and scolded us, asking why we were spreading panic and giving a [propaganda] gift to the Russians,” a company insider told the outlet, describing the reaction as “hysterical.”

The Zelensky administration has reportedly prioritized avoiding negative publicity, particularly as Ukraine remains reliant on Western financial and military aid. Military critics have accused the government of putting political messaging above battlefield realities, including blocking tactical withdrawals to maintain an image of steadfast resistance. Under martial law, Kiev exercises broad control over the media, which officials defend as necessary for national security.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, using domestically produced kamikaze drones as a strategic tool. Zelensky has repeatedly vowed to cause blackouts in Moscow and other cities to “bring the war” to the Russian people. Moscow, in turn, says it is retaliating against this approach.

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