Ukraine to hit back after Russian energy strikes

KYIV: Russian drone attacks on power facilities in northern and southern Ukraine overnight cut electricity to nearly 60,000 people, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to vow deeper strikes inside Russia.

More than three years into the war, both sides have stepped up aerial assaults: Moscow targeting Ukraine's energy and transport networks, while Kyiv has struck Russian oil refineries and pipelines.

"We will continue our active operations in the way needed for Ukraine's defence. The forces and resources are prepared. New deep strikes have also been planned," Zelenskiy said on X after meeting top general Oleksandr Syrsky, without providing details.


Ukraine's largest private energy firm DTEK said drones hit four power facilities in the Odesa region. Local authorities reported 29,000 people left without power, mostly in the port city of Chornomorsk, where homes and offices were damaged. "Critical infrastructure is operating on generators," said regional governor Oleh Kiper, adding one person was injured.

Emergency repairs will begin once the military grants clearance, DTEK said. Near Chornomorsk, a Belize-flagged bulk carrier sustained minor damage after striking an unknown explosive device, two sources told Reuters. The port is part of Ukraine's Black Sea export corridor.

In northern Chernihiv, 30,000 households lost electricity after drone strikes damaged energy infrastructure, including in the city of Nizhyn, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus said.

Ukraine's military said Russia launched 142 drones overnight, most of which were shot down, though strikes hit 10 locations. Russia's Defence Ministry said it had targeted Ukrainian port facilities allegedly used for military purposes. Reuters could not verify the claims.

The escalation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire. Ukraine's General Staff said Russia has exaggerated claims of progress, noting Moscow has not seized a major city. Russia's military chief Valery Gerasimov claimed on Saturday that since March, Russian forces had captured 3,500 sq km and 149 villages.