Russia has launched a widely anticipated air campaign targeting Ukraine's energy grid, striking power facilities and infrastructure around Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian officials stated that seven people were killed in the strikes on Wednesday, which Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi described as "massive strikes on energy infrastructure." A child was among the fatalities, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The state power grid operator, Ukrenergo, has imposed emergency power cuts in Kyiv and three surrounding regions. This marks the first time such measures have been implemented in the capital since the spring. Critical infrastructure was attacked in five regions, with further damage reported in another five, President Zelenskyy added.
Separately, President Zelenskyy visited a military command post near Lyman, praising gains against Russian forces during a counteroffensive. He stated that Ukrainian forces had recaptured 176 sq km of territory since the operation began. Meanwhile, Ukraine is urging the US to sanction Russian entities it claims are developing Moscow’s Rassvet satellite network, which Kyiv believes poses grave risks.
Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi held discussions with Russian officials on humanitarian issues in the Ukraine war and visited Ukrainian prisoners of war. These talks coincided with an appeal from Pope Leo for Russia and Ukraine to discuss ending the conflict.