Russian drones target Kyiv power facility as conflict escalates
- Russian drones attacked a thermal power generation facility in Kyiv, causing blackouts.
- Ukraine's air force reported intercepting 112 of the 142 launched drones.
- Ongoing hostilities reveal the vulnerability of Ukrainian infrastructure and raise international concerns.
In Ukraine, overnight drone attacks occurred as part of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The attacks were reported by Ukraine's Energy Ministry, indicating that a thermal power generation facility in the Kyiv region was significantly impacted. During the assault, Ukraine's air force reported that 142 drones were launched by Russia, with around 100 identified as Shahed strike drones, while the remainder acted as decoys. The air force managed to intercept or suppress 112 of these drones, yet 26 drones successfully hit various locations, prompting blackouts in parts of Kyiv. Emergency services are currently working to mitigate the damage caused by the assault. This drone attack followed a larger bombardment the previous night in which Russia launched 810 drones and 13 missiles into Ukrainian territories. Despite a notable interception effort, where Ukraine reportedly shot down 747 drones and four missiles, many still reached their intended targets, affecting 33 locations across Ukraine. These frequent and escalating attacks raise concerns over the consequences for civilian infrastructure and energy security in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation in Ukraine. Emphasizing the human cost of the ongoing conflict, he remarked that losses are estimated to be around 7,000 soldiers weekly for both Ukraine and Russia combined. Trump reflected on his previous statements regarding the conflict, mentioning his past assertions about resolving such issues swiftly, yet he recognizes the complexities surrounding any potential peace negotiations. Trump's remarks included no specific insight into the obstacles that hinder peace talks but noted that European leaders would visit the White House for discussions, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts. The U.S. administration's response has included the potential for additional sanctions against Russia amid escalating military actions, with calls for accountability regarding the use of new weaponry in the conflict.