Russian missile strikes cause widespread power cuts in Ukraine

The recent wave of Russian missile strikes in Ukraine has caused major power outages in several key areas of the country, leaving thousands of households without electricity. The attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure, including a power line feeding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which was placed on the verge of a blackout. Additionally, the largest dam in Zaporizhzhia, DniproHES, was hit, although there is currently no immediate threat of breach. The strikes also resulted in the destruction of buildings and damage to infrastructure in several regions such as Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Vinnytsia. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating that over 90 missiles and 60 explosive drones were launched by Russia, resulting in casualties and injuries. The situation has escalated following previous air strikes in Kyiv and border villages, with Zelensky urging Western allies to provide more military aid and air defence systems to combat the aggression. The attacks have sparked concerns of a large-scale energy system failure in Ukraine, with the country’s energy minister accusing Russia of intentional provocation. The ongoing conflict highlights the need for immediate support and intervention to protect the country’s infrastructure and civilian population.