Russian Drone and Missile Strikes Wound at Least 20 in Kyiv, Damage Energy Infrastructure
Early Friday, Russian drone and missile strikes wounded at least 20 people in Kyiv, damaged residential buildings, and triggered widespread blackouts across swaths of Ukraine. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the attack as “one of the largest concentrated strikes” against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the strikes specifically targeted energy facilities supplying Ukraine’s military. While the ministry did not provide detailed information about these facilities, it confirmed that Russian forces employed Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and strike drones in the operation.
Ukraine’s air force reported on Saturday that its air defenses intercepted or jammed 54 of the 78 Russian drones launched overnight. In contrast, Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have shot down 42 Ukrainian drones over its territory.
In the Donetsk region, airstrikes on the city of Kostiantynivka resulted in at least two deaths and five injuries, according to regional Governor Vadim Filashkin.
President Zelenskyy Reports Positive Call with Former US President Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared that he had a “very positive and productive” phone call with former US President Donald Trump on Saturday. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said he informed Trump about the recent Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system. The two also discussed opportunities to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
“There needs to be readiness on the Russian side to engage in real diplomacy; this can be achieved through strength,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Energy Infrastructure: A Key Battleground
Ukraine’s energy sector has been a frequent target since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Each year, Russia appears to time its strikes to severely damage the Ukrainian power grid ahead of the harsh winter season — which runs from late October through March, with January and February being the coldest months — aiming to erode public morale.
In his nightly address on Friday, Zelenskyy noted that Russia was exploiting the world’s focus on peace prospects in the Middle East. He called for strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems and imposing tighter sanctions on Russia.
“Russian assets must be fully used to strengthen our defence and ensure recovery,” Zelenskyy emphasized in a video posted on X.
International Support and Frozen Russian Assets
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Friday expressing readiness to coordinate the use of immobilized Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s armed forces. The effort aims to bring Russia to the negotiation table and is planned to be executed in close cooperation with the United States.
Ukraine’s estimated budget and military needs for 2026 and 2027 amount to around 130 billion euros (approximately USD 153 billion). Since the conflict began in February 2022, the European Union has already committed 174 billion euros (about USD 202 billion) in support.
The largest pool of readily available funds lies in frozen Russian assets, primarily held in Belgium—estimated at 194 billion euros (USD 225 billion) as of June—as well as significant sums held outside the EU, including approximately USD 50 billion in Japan, with additional amounts in the US, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Disclaimer
This story has been sourced from third-party syndicated feeds and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability regarding the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the information provided. Mid-day management reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at its absolute discretion and without prior notice.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/russia-ukraine-war-power-restored-to-800-000-in-kyiv-after-major-russian-strikes-on-ukraines-energy-grid-23598257