Russia hits Ukraine energy infrastructure with major missile, drone strikes, Kyiv says

Russia launched a series of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure, railways, and residential areas. The attacks were particularly severe in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, with the Ukrainian military and local officials confirming significant damage and civilian casualties. At least one person was reported dead in Zaporizhzhia due to a drone strike, and another individual was wounded, according to regional officials (The Hindu, France24). The strikes involved dozens of strike drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, marking a significant escalation in hostilities as the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches. President Zelenskyy stated that while the primary focus of the attacks was the energy sector, residential buildings and railway infrastructure also sustained damage. Reports indicated that the strikes disrupted heating services for hundreds of homes in affected areas (Euronews, Al Jazeera). Despite the scale of the attacks, some regions, such as Kramatorsk, reported no power cuts, suggesting that the strikes on energy infrastructure may not have been entirely successful (Euronews, France24). The ongoing military actions reflect a broader pattern of intensified Russian military operations across Ukraine, with civilian areas increasingly caught in the crossfire (Reuters, Euronews).