Russia Attacks Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure, Leaving 600,000 Without Power

Russia conducted an attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight, resulting in at least 600,000 people losing power in the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday. Zelenskyy reported significant damage to facilities and equipment at 26 power system facilities and four oil and gas sector facilities. He noted a targeted ballistic missile strike against the energy infrastructure, which he stated should have been covered by the 'energy ceasefire' announced by President Donald Trump on Sunday. Zelenskyy described the strike as deliberate and indicative of Russia's disrespect toward the United States. The attack follows Zelenskyy's accusation on Monday that Russia violated Trump's proposal for a ceasefire to halt attacks on each other's energy facilities, aimed at reducing oil and diesel costs. Initially, both Russian and Ukrainian authorities denied knowledge of an energy ceasefire agreement. Ukraine has since expressed support for such a deal, while Russian authorities indicated ongoing discussions without confirming an agreement. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Zelenskyy's reaction to the agreement's status suggested he was unaware of it but welcomed clarification and was open to a ceasefire, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.