Russian Strikes Knock Out Power in Ukraine as Drones Hit an Industrial Site in Russia

Russian attacks left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without electricity on Sunday, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said power infrastructure was hit in four regions overnight. He argued that Moscow is trying to take advantage of Ukraine’s shortage of ballistic missile interceptors. Kyiv saw six separate drone alerts after midnight. Ukraine’s air force said it downed 371 of the 433 long range drones launched since Saturday evening.

Ukrainian Drones Damage Russian Industry

Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin said a large overnight drone attack caused significant damage to an industrial facility, without naming it. The region hosts the NORSI oil refinery, one of Russia’s biggest, and officials urged drivers to avoid panic buying fuel, hinting at a fuel linked target. Zelenskiy said Ukraine also struck the Kamensky plant in Rostov, which he said helps make Russian missiles. Russia’s Defence Ministry reported shooting down 235 Ukrainian drones.

Energy Ceasefire Dispute

A six day local ceasefire around Oleshky held on its last day, yet fighting continued elsewhere. Russia claims Ukraine ignored a request from Donald Trump to stop hitting refineries, which he blames for higher diesel costs before the US midterms. Ukraine says it backs a full energy ceasefire but that Moscow refuses. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the strikes distort global fuel markets and affect prices.