Russia's Largest Strike in Months: Ukraine Faces Blackouts and Loss of Life

Russia has carried out its biggest air attack on Ukraine in months, targeting energy infrastructure and causing widespread damage. The assault hit major cities like Odesa, Dnipro, and Rivne, with Kyiv residents taking shelter in the metro. Two people were killed in Mykolaiv, six injured, including two children. In Odesa, two more fatalities were reported, and a woman died in Lviv. The last similar attack occurred in August with 127 missiles and 109 drones. The strikes led to blackouts in various regions, including Odesa, where essential services were disrupted. Ukraine's energy company DTEK reported severe damage to thermal power plants. The war, nearing its third year, has seen Russia making gains and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, which could affect US support. Ukraine's energy supplies have been under constant Russian attack since the 2022 invasion, causing blackouts. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky reported approximately 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched, with defense forces destroying over 140 aerial targets. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the attack, stating they targeted critical energy infrastructure. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his call with Vladimir Putin, noting little change in Putin's views on the war. The attack comes as Russia makes gains in eastern Ukraine and prepares for a counteroffensive in Kursk.