Russian air strikes: Over 17,000 Ukrainians without electricity!

Russian air strikes: Over 17,000 Ukrainians without electricity!

In another dramatic chapter in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, massive air strikes took place overnight on Ukrainian cities. Russian fighter jets and drones caused widespread destruction, with Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk in particular in the attackers' crosshairs. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that of the 164 drones used by the Russians, 136 were successfully intercepted, while 27 brass knuckles were detected in various regions of Ukraine. In Chernihiv, the attacks targeted an energy infrastructure facility, resulting in a widespread power outage and leaving around 17,000 customers without power. Mayor Halyna Minayeva reported more than ten attacks on Chuhuyiv in the Kharkiv region, which paralyzed almost all parts of the city.

The Russian military attacks injured two people in Nizhyn and damaged numerous buildings and civilian infrastructure. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is calling for urgent support from the US and other international partners, over 300 attack drones and numerous missiles were also deployed. At the same time, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 41 Ukrainian drones over Russian territories and the Black Sea.

Attacks on critical infrastructure

Particularly worrying is the targeted attack on Ukraine's energy supply, which Zelensky strongly condemned. As early as October 16, Ukraine reported that several gas production facilities were hit, affecting production. The attacks came shortly before a crucial meeting between President Zelensky and US President Trump in Washington, adding to the urgency of his appeals to the West.

A total of 18 enemy missiles were fired in the affected regions, including Vinnytsia, Sumy and Poltava, while further damage was noted. Zaporizhzhia regional governor Ivan Fedorov also reported fires sparked by the attacks, but with no reports of injuries. The incidents make it clear that Ukraine has been suffering from a sustained war of aggression for over three and a half years, which is primarily aimed at wearing down the civilian population.

Reactions and international developments

Zelensky expressed concern about the double strikes by the Russians, which are specifically aimed at injuring emergency services. He plans to obtain approval from Trump in the White House to sell Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers. At the same time, Ukraine is working on developing its own longer-range weapons to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Meanwhile, there were power cuts in the Russian border region of Belgorod following a Ukrainian counterattack. Similar reports of power outages also reached the Voronezh and Volgograd regions. These attacks underscore mutual tensions as both Ukraine and Russia continue to adjust their military strategies.

Current developments in the Ukraine conflict show that the humanitarian crisis and the fight over energy infrastructure remain the focus. Ukraine is defending itself with Western support and will continue to face challenges in its efforts to protect its civilian population in the coming weeks and months.