Ukraine Vows Retaliation After Russian Drone Attacks on Energy Facilities

Overnight, Russian drone attacks targeted power facilities in northern and southern Ukraine, resulting in approximately 60,000 customers losing electricity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by stating his intention to retaliate with further strikes deep within Russia.

The conflict, now in its third year, has seen a recent escalation in airstrikes from both sides. Russia has focused its attacks on Ukraine's energy and transportation infrastructure, while Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries and pipelines.

Following a meeting with Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrsky, Zelenskyy announced on X that Ukraine would continue its active defense operations. He stated that forces and resources were prepared, and that new deep strikes had been planned, though he did not provide specifics.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, reported that Russian drones attacked four energy facilities in the Odesa region overnight. Local authorities indicated that 29,000 people were left without power early on Sunday. The port city of Chornomorsk, near Odesa, was particularly affected, with damage reported to homes and administrative buildings. According to the governor of the Odesa region, Oleh Kiper, critical infrastructure was operating on generators, and one person was injured in the attack.

In the waters near the strategically important port, a civilian bulk carrier, flying the flag of Belize, sustained minor damage after encountering an unidentified explosive device, according to sources who requested anonymity.