Ukraine vows to retaliate after Russian attacks on power sector
Russian drone attacks on power facilities in northern and southern Ukraine overnight resulted in nearly 60,000 customers losing electricity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has promised to retaliate by ordering more strikes deep inside Russia as the conflict between the two countries intensifies.
After a three and a half year long war, both Russia and Ukraine have escalated airstrikes in recent weeks. Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy and transport systems, while Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil refineries and pipelines.
“We will continue our active operations in exactly the way needed for Ukraine’s defense. The forces and resources are prepared. New deep strikes have also been planned,” Zelenskyy announced on social media platform X after meeting with Ukraine’s top general, Oleksandr Syrsky.
During the night, Russian drones attacked four energy facilities in the Odesa region, leaving 29,000 people without electricity. The port city of Chornomorsk, outside Odesa, suffered the most damage, with houses and administrative buildings impacted. One person was injured as a result of the attack, and critical infrastructure is currently operating on generators.
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, stated that emergency repair work will commence once the military gives the all-clear. In addition, a civilian bulk carrier flying the flag of Belize sustained minor damage after hitting an explosive device in waters near the port.
Chornomorsk is one of three Ukrainian ports in a maritime transport corridor linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. In the northern Chernihiv region, Russian drones also targeted energy infrastructure, leaving 30,000 households without electricity.
The Ukrainian military reported that Russia attacked Ukraine with 142 drones overnight, with 126 of them being shot down by air defense forces. However, the drones managed to strike 10 locations. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to have targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure in Kyiv, but these reports could not be independently verified.
As the conflict escalates, U.S. President Donald Trump is leading efforts to end the war. The Kremlin stated that European powers are hindering peace efforts and that Russia will continue its operation in Ukraine until Kyiv demonstrates a genuine willingness for peace.
In light of the recent deadly Russian attacks, the U.S. special envoy on Ukraine criticized the actions, stating they undermine peace efforts. Pope Leo also called for a ceasefire and dialogue, urging those involved to seek negotiation and peace with the support of the international community.
