Ukraine, Kyiv: Ukraine is facing widespread power cuts after a new wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on its energy infrastructure over the weekend. Ukrenergo, the state electricity transmission operator, said scheduled blackouts will continue as crews work to repair damaged high-voltage lines in several regions.
Poltava and Kharkiv are among the hardest hit, while Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Kyiv, and other central and northern areas have also suffered power disruptions. Demand for electricity remains high with the onset of winter.
Ukraine’s military reported that Russian forces launched two air-launched ballistic missiles, five surface-to-air missiles, and 67 drones overnight. While none of the missiles were intercepted, 52 drones were shot down, with the remaining 15 hitting nine locations.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged European nations to supply Patriot air defence systems immediately rather than waiting for new deliveries from the United States. He said Ukraine aims to order 25 Patriot systems but warned that production could take years.
Russia also reported attacks on its side, saying Ukrainian sea drones targeted the oil terminal and refinery in Tuapse on the Black Sea. No casualties were reported.
As fighting continues, Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau said it had launched raids linked to alleged money laundering in the energy and defence sectors, involving a former business partner of President Zelenskyy.
Source: Aljazeera
