A large-scale missile and drone assault by Russia targeting Ukraine’s power infrastructure has left ten people dead, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
The strikes, which hit multiple cities, including Donetsk, Lviv, and Odesa, caused widespread blackouts and extensive damage.
DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy provider, reported significant damage to its facilities, while Ukrenergo, the state energy operator, introduced "restriction measures" across the country starting Monday to manage power supplies.
President Zelensky described the attack as the most extensive since September, revealing that Russian forces launched over 120 missiles and 90 armed drones. In a Telegram post, he said, "Russian terrorists once again want to scare us with cold and lack of light."
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, condemned the strikes, stating that “peaceful cities, sleeping civilians, and critical infrastructure” were deliberately targeted.
Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry claimed the operation successfully disrupted "essential energy infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian military-industrial complex."
In Odesa, disruptions to heat and water supplies were reported but are gradually being resolved. Critical facilities, such as hospitals, are functioning on backup generators.
Mykolaiv was also hit, though its regional leader, Vitaliy Kim, affirmed that "people are in good shape and want to defend themselves."
In Kyiv, fragments of intercepted missiles fell in several areas but caused no casualties.
DTEK disclosed that this was the eighth major assault on Ukraine’s energy facilities this year. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, more than 190 attacks have targeted its energy infrastructure.
This attack comes as the United States anticipates policy shifts under incoming President Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to reduce military aid to Ukraine and push for a resolution to the conflict.
The US has provided $55.5 billion in military support since the war began.
Germany and other allies, however, continue to pledge their support for Ukraine despite exploring dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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