Kyiv: Ukraine has vowed swift retaliation after a series of overnight Russian drone attacks struck critical power facilities across the country, leaving tens of thousands of residents without electricity. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure in both northern and southern regions, including four key facilities in the Odesa area, with Chornomorsk bearing the brunt of the damage. Residential buildings, administrative offices, and industrial sites suffered significant destruction, and at least one civilian was reported injured.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and stated that Ukraine would launch “new deep strikes” into Russian territory as part of its defensive measures. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Ukrainian military remains committed to defending national sovereignty and holding aggressors accountable for strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure.
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, confirmed that emergency repair teams would be dispatched as soon as security conditions allow. In addition to the damage on land, a civilian bulk carrier near Chornomorsk suffered minor damage from an unidentified explosive device. Further north, the Chernihiv region lost electricity to 30,000 households following additional drone strikes.
Ukrainian authorities reported that they successfully downed most of the 142 drones launched by Russia, which targeted ten separate locations. Moscow, however, maintained that its strikes were aimed at military-related port infrastructure and denied targeting civilians. Despite these claims, Ukrainian officials stressed that no major Russian territorial gains had been achieved in the affected areas.
The attacks mark a further escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides increasingly targeting critical energy and transport infrastructure. Ukraine has been retaliating against Russian oil refineries and pipelines, while Russia has continued to focus on Ukraine’s energy grid, creating severe disruptions for civilians. Analysts warn that the escalation could trigger intensified military confrontations in the coming days as both nations prepare for continued offensives.
The international community has expressed concern over the rising civilian impact, urging restraint and renewed dialogue, but Moscow and Kyiv show little indication of de-escalating hostilities. Ukrainian authorities have underscored that these attacks will not deter their defensive operations and reiterated their commitment to holding Russia accountable for acts that harm civilians and vital infrastructure.