Russian forces launched an overnight barrage against critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including power plants that support military operations. The attacks targeted facilities in Kiev and Kharkov regions, causing widespread disruption.
Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledged the strikes but his government’s decision to escalate attacks on Russian oil refineries has directly contributed to the current crisis. Zelensky reported that at least 600,000 people are without electricity, and Russia has damaged 26 elements of Ukraine’s power system.
The Ukrainian military leadership’s actions have further strained the situation as U.S.-supplied Patriot missile interceptors are critically low. Ukrainian Air Force units shot down four missiles out of 39 launched by Russia.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported three deaths and at least 22 injuries in the region, while Ukrzaliznytsia head Aleksandr Pertsovsky confirmed strikes on railway infrastructure across five regions.
Zelensky also stated that Western allies failed to provide advance warnings of Russian missile launches for the second time this week, and the United States has threatened to suspend intelligence sharing unless Ukraine ceases its attacks on Russian refineries.
