In brief
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that at least 600,000 people across Ukraine lack electricity following a series of Russian missile and drone attacks. Kyiv and the Kharkiv region suffered hits on critical energy infrastructure, while Ukraine’s air force recorded 39 missiles and 128 drones launched, of which 115 were shot down. Russian officials claimed the strikes targeted communications and energy facilities used by Ukrainian forces, while Russia’s defence ministry reported 902 drones were intercepted over its territory. President Donald Trump declared an energy ceasefire on social media, a move rejected by Ukraine and Russia’s foreign minister amid concerns over ongoing weapon deliveries. The conflict continues as Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory following its 2022 invasion.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine confirmed a large-scale power outage affecting about 600,000 residents following an overnight attack by Russian missiles and drones.
Zelensky said that critical energy infrastructure in both the capital city of Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv had been targeted, despite a claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump that an "energy ceasefire" had been agreed between Russia and Ukraine.
In Kyiv, Ukrainian emergency services reported at least three fatalities and 21 injuries. The Russian defence ministry described the night as a "massive" strike aimed at communications and energy facilities used by Ukrainian forces.
The Russian military also reported shooting down 902 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions, including Moscow and the Crimea peninsula. Ukrainian Air Force sources stated that 39 ballistic and cruise missiles were launched and that 115 of the 128 drones were intercepted.
After taking to social media, Trump declared, "Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" Zelensky replied that Ukraine is willing to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries and other energy sites if Moscow does the same.
Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the notion of a ceasefire, arguing that it would allow Europe to supply Ukraine with new weapons and continue the conflict. The full-scale invasion by Russia began in 2022, and Moscow currently controls roughly 20 % of Ukrainian territory.
