Russia launched a large-scale air attack on Ukraine early Wednesday, causing power outages across most of the country and killing at least six people, including a six-month-old baby. The assault involved drones, missiles, and fighter jets targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas, intensifying the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian authorities reported that the attack forced emergency power cuts nationwide, with significant damage to facilities in regions like Odesa. In Kyiv, a drone strike ignited a fire in a 16-story building, resulting in two deaths and the rescue of ten individuals. East of the capital, in Brovary district, a woman, a 12-year-old girl, and an infant died when their home caught fire, while an elderly woman was saved from another burning house.
In northeastern Kharkiv, a 40-year-old man was killed and six others injured in the strikes, according to local officials. The attacks highlighted the widespread nature of the assault, affecting multiple regions across Ukraine and straining emergency services.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strikes killed six and wounded 17, emphasizing that Russia targeted both critical infrastructure and civilian areas. He called for increased international pressure on Moscow, noting that the world must not remain silent in the face of such aggression. The state energy operator Ukrenergo confirmed the widespread outages, and private company DTEK is working to restore power amid the damage.
The European Union’s ambassador to Ukraine described a ‘night of horror,’ sheltering as sirens wailed and explosions occurred. This attack came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump shelved a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing it as a potential ‘waste of time.’ Earlier, Ukraine had used Storm Shadow missiles to target a Russian chemical plant, though Russia claimed to have intercepted drones.
The incident underscores the escalating violence in the war, with Zelensky urging the EU and U.S. to strengthen their response. As recovery efforts proceed, the attacks highlight the urgent need for sustained support for Ukraine’s defense and infrastructure, amid calls for unified global action to counter Russian aggression.