Blackouts hit Ukraine regions after Russian air attack
Ukraine is facing emergency blackouts in several regions after Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks on its power stations. The national grid operator, Ukrenergo, was forced to implement blackout schedules in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kirovograd due to the attacks.
The attacks on energy infrastructure come as part of an escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Moscow targeting Ukrainian facilities in response to Ukrainian assaults on Russia’s border regions. Major cities like Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih were already under restrictions following a previous Russian strike.
Ukraine is struggling with critical shortages of air defenses and ammunition to defend against the Russian attacks. Prime Minister Denys Shmygal has called for more air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure and the population.
The White House condemned the Russian strikes, calling them a “terrible reminder of Vladimir Putin’s efforts to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.” The U.S. Congress is urged to pass a bill to fund Ukraine’s defenses urgently.
Both sides have accused each other of attacking civilian areas, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict has been ongoing for three years, with President Volodymyr Zelensky labeling the attacks as “energy terrorism.”
The situation on the front lines remains tense, with Ukraine struggling against the numerical advantage and heavy artillery fire from the Russian forces. The country is also dealing with power cuts in seven regions, urging citizens to understand the temporary difficulties.