Russian drone strikes leave 60,000 without power in Ukraine

Russian drone attacks on power facilities in northern and southern Ukraine overnight left nearly 60,000 people without electricity, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowing to retaliate by ordering new strikes inside Russia.

Three and a half years into the war, both sides have stepped up air campaigns. Russia has focused on Ukraine’s energy and transport networks, while Ukraine has struck oil refineries and pipelines across Russia.

After meeting Ukraine’s top general Oleksandr Syrsky, Zelenskyy said operations would continue and “new deep strikes” were planned.

Damage in Odesa

Ukraine’s largest private energy firm DTEK reported four facilities in the Odesa region were hit, leaving 29,000 people without power. Governor Oleh Kiper said the port city of Chornomorsk was the hardest hit, with homes and offices damaged. One person was injured, and infrastructure is running on generators.

A civilian bulk carrier sailing under a Belize flag sustained minor damage after hitting an explosive device near Odesa, two sources told Reuters.

Northern region hit

In Chernihiv, 30,000 households lost power, including parts of the city of Nizhyn, Governor Viacheslav Chaus said. Ukraine’s military reported 142 drones launched by Russia overnight, most shot down, but strikes hit 10 locations.

Moscow said it targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure used for military purposes. Reuters could not independently verify the claims.

Global pressure

The U.S. envoy to Ukraine said the strikes undermined President Donald Trump’s push to end the war. The Kremlin accused European states of blocking peace efforts and insisted its operation would continue until Kyiv showed readiness for talks.

Zelenskyy, in his evening address, said Russia was the only side seeking war and urged the United States, Europe and G20 to maintain pressure. “This war destabilises global processes. Russia must pay for this,” he said.

Pope calls for ceasefire

Pope Leo appealed for dialogue, telling pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square that it was time to “renounce the logic of arms” and pursue peace with international support.

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