Russia preparing new blackout campaign against Ukraine after deadly strikes, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Massive Russian strikes show Moscow is again preparing a blackout campaign against Ukraine this year, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President said recovery efforts lasted all day after Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and other areas.
"Most of the hits targeted ordinary homes and civilian facilities. More than 80 people were injured. Four people were killed, including one child," Zelenskyy said.
In Kyiv, one of the targets was the Strazhesko Institute, a leading cardiology center in Eastern Europe. Two people were killed there — a nurse and a patient. Zelenskyy instructed the government to help restore the facility.
"There were also Russian strikes on energy facilities. Unfortunately, this has become a standard Russian tactic. Once again, Moscow is trying to plunge Ukraine into a blackout," he added.
Massive attack on September 28
Today, Russia launched about 600 attack drones and 40 missiles of different types. Missiles and debris struck residential buildings. A bread-baking plant, a car tire factory, private houses, apartment blocks, and other civilian infrastructure were also hit.
The main directions of attack were Kyiv and the Kyiv region, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa regions.
A day earlier, Zelenskyy warned that if Russia threatened blackouts in Kyiv, Moscow could face similar consequences. He also said Donald Trump fully supports him on this issue.
On Sunday evening, during the massive attack, the Russian city of Belgorod was plunged into darkness. Local media and social media channels reported that several missiles allegedly hit a power plant and substations. The city was left without electricity, water, and internet service.
Ukraine has not commented on possible strikes on Belgorod.
