Russian attacks on Ukraine power grid cause brief blackouts as US officials consider cease-fire push
Russia fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine on Saturday, killing 12 people and blasting its energy grid, leading to temporary blackouts across the country, officials said.
A total of 123 drones and more than 40 missiles were launched, damaging dozens of buildings, a kindergarten and energy infrastructure across at least six regions, according to reports.
Ukrainian troops shot down 56 of the drones and redirected 61, its air force said. It did not provide details on the missiles.
“Last night Russia attacked our cities using various types of weapons: missiles, attack drones, and aerial bombs,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram.
“Each such terrorist attack proves that we need more support in defending ourselves against Russian terror,” Zelensky added.
Russian forces confirmed launching attacks aimed at Ukraine’s gas and energy infrastructure, and said they also shot down 108 Ukrainian drones in the last day, according to officials and local news outlets.
Intentional, emergency power outages were introduced temporarily in seven Ukrainian cities to prevent the collapse of the energy system, but the restrictions were lifted three hours later, according to the Kyiv Independent.
It was the second time this year that emergency power cuts were used.
Unseasonably warm weather has helped keep the Ukrainian energy grid running without needing scheduled blackouts and heating cuts, and thwarted Russia’s attempts to freeze Ukrainians into submission, the outlet reported.
The attacks came as President Trump said his administration has had “very serious” discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about doing something “significant” to end the brutal three-year war.
“We will be speaking, and I think will perhaps do something that’ll be significant,” Trump told reporters Friday.
“We want to end that war.”
US officials are debating a push for a cease-fire.
They say Ukraine should hold presidential and parliamentary elections that have been suspended amid the war, which could be part of an initial truce with Russia.
The winner of the presidential election could then negotiate a longer-term agreement with Moscow.
With Post wires
