Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged fresh strikes deep inside Russia after a wave of Russian drone attacks overnight on energy facilities in northern and southern Ukraine left nearly 60,000 people without electricity. The attacks, which struck four power facilities in the Odesa region and multiple sites in Chernihiv, highlight an intensifying aerial campaign by both sides more than three years into the war. Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, said Russian drones targeted four energy facilities in Odesa, cutting power to 29,000 residents. The port city of Chornomo

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged fresh strikes deep inside Russia after a wave of Russian drone attacks overnight on energy facilities in northern and southern Ukraine left nearly 60,000 people without electricity. The attacks, which struck four power facilities in the Odesa region and multiple sites in Chernihiv, highlight an intensifying aerial campaign by both sides more than three years into the war. Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, said Russian drones targeted four energy facilities in Odesa, cutting power to 29,000 residents. The port city of Chornomorsk, just outside Odesa, was the hardest hit, with damage reported to residential homes and administrative buildings, according to regional governor Oleh Kiper. “Critical infrastructure is operating on generators,” Kiper said on Telegram, adding that one person was injured in the strikes. DTEK said repair crews were prepared to begin emergency work once given clearance by the military. In waters near Chornomorsk, a civilian bulk carrier flying the flag of Belize sustained minor damage after striking an unidentified explosive device, two sources told Reuters. Chornomorsk is one of three Ukrainian ports active in a maritime corridor linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Further north, in Chernihiv, Governor Viacheslav Chaus reported that 30,000 households, including part of the city of Nizhyn, lost power after energy infrastructure was damaged. The Ukrainian military said Russia launched 142 drones overnight, with air defence units intercepting 126, though attacks were recorded at 10 separate locations. Following a meeting with top general Oleksandr Syrsky, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would press ahead with counterstrikes. “We will continue our active operations in exactly the way needed for Ukraine’s defence. The forces and resources are prepared. New deep strikes have also been planned,” he wrote on X. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries and pipelines, while Moscow has focused on Ukraine’s energy and transport systems. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces had struck port infrastructure in Kyiv used for military purposes. Reuters said the reports could not be independently verified. The Kremlin accused European powers of undermining US President Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate peace, insisting its military campaign would continue until Kyiv showed “real signs” of readiness for negotiations. ABC News reports that Moscow has launched two large-scale attacks in the past week, killing dozens of civilians and destroying homes and urban infrastructure. The US special envoy on Ukraine said the strikes weakened Trump’s push to end the war. Amid the escalation, Pope Leo urged restraint, calling on both sides to pursue dialogue. “It is time for those responsible to renounce the logic of arms and to take the path of negotiation and peace with the support of the international community,” he said during Sunday prayers in St. Peter’s Square.  

A little more informed. A little more connected.