Russian Strikes Kill Six and Cut Power Across Ukraine

A series of overnight Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine left six people dead, including two children, and caused widespread power outages in freezing conditions, Ukrainian authorities reported on Wednesday.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the assault once again demonstrated Moscow’s disregard for peace and humanity.

“Another night proving that Russia does not feel enough pressure for dragging out the war,” Zelensky said on social media.
“As of now, 17 people are known to have been injured. Unfortunately, six people were killed, among them two children.”

AFP journalists in Kyiv reported hearing multiple explosions overnight and witnessing thick plumes of smoke rising over the capital.

The Ukrainian energy ministry said critical power infrastructure had been targeted, forcing emergency blackouts in most regions.

“Due to a massive missile and drone attack on the energy infrastructure, emergency power outages have been introduced in most regions of Ukraine,” it said in a statement.

Key Facts at a Glance

The latest attack came just hours after diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year-long conflict faced yet another setback.

US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, calling it potentially “wasted”. The meeting had been intended as a follow-up to earlier talks in Alaska and was expected to focus on a ceasefire framework.

Trump had reportedly urged Zelensky to cede control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region during discussions in Washington last week — a suggestion Kyiv firmly rejected.

European allies have also stood by Ukraine, insisting that no peace plan should involve surrendering territory and that hostilities should only be paused if current front lines are respected.

In his address following the bombardment, President Zelensky stressed that Russian claims of diplomacy were hollow: “Russian words about diplomacy mean nothing as long as the Russian leadership does not feel critical problems.”

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, branding it a “special military operation” aimed at demilitarising its neighbour and halting NATO expansion.

Ukraine and its allies, however, denounce the campaign as an illegal war of aggression — one that has caused tens of thousands of civilian and military deaths, displaced millions, and left cities and towns in ruins.

At present, Russia occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of it devastated by constant bombardment and fighting.

Despite international condemnation and multiple rounds of sanctions, Moscow continues its relentless offensive. Meanwhile, Ukraine braces for a harsh winter marked by power shortages, humanitarian challenges, and uncertain diplomacy.