Russian strikes kill three and leave 600,000 without power in Ukraine

Russian missile and drone strikes killed three people in Kyiv and damaged 30 energy facilities in and around the capital and Kharkiv, Ukrainian authorities said. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least 600,000 people were left without electricity after the third consecutive night of attacks on the country’s energy system.

Ukraine said Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones at energy and other critical infrastructure. It reported intercepting four missiles, a low rate that underscored pressure on its air defences. Railway facilities in five regions were also targeted, according to the prime minister. Initial casualty and damage figures can change as rescue and repair work continues.

Russia’s defence ministry said it struck four power plants around Kyiv and two in Kharkiv. Moscow and Kyiv have not confirmed a formal energy ceasefire, despite US President Donald Trump saying both sides had agreed to halt such attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the details were still under discussion.

The immediate consequence is a large civilian outage as colder weather approaches. Beyond the diplomatic dispute, the ability to restore power and protect generating capacity will determine whether repeated attacks develop into a wider heating and humanitarian emergency.