Residents in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the recent power cuts that have plagued the region, according to posts on social media. The demonstrations came as the local governor, Veniamin Kondratyev, attributed the blackouts to an ongoing heatwave that has affected the southern parts of the country. This abnormal weather has led to mass power outages in several regions, including the temporary shutdown of a power unit at the Rostov nuclear power plant earlier this week.

Governor Kondratyev acknowledged the frustration of the residents, explaining that the energy system is under immense strain due to the prolonged period of abnormal heat in the Krasnodar region. He added that current power capacities are inadequate to meet the peak energy demand during the scorching summer months.

It is worth noting that public protests are a rarity in Russia, particularly since the conflict with Ukraine began in February 2022. Authorities have intensified efforts to suppress dissent, especially politically motivated demonstrations, resulting in a significant decrease in public protests due to the fear of arrests.

Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that Russia's relentless missile strikes and cyberattacks have caused significant damage. He reported that two people were killed and three others injured in a recent Russian missile strike in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, while the death toll in the city of Mykolaiv rose to four, including a child.

In response to the ongoing conflict, the United States has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing both military and financial aid. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed concerns that this support could diminish if former President Donald Trump were to be re-elected, emphasizing the importance of maintaining international support regardless of changes in US leadership.

In Ukraine, the assassination of former MP Iryna Farion has sent shockwaves through the country. Farion, known for her advocacy of the Ukrainian language, was shot and later died from her injuries in Lviv. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation and treating the attack as an assassination, with police considering personal animosity towards Farion due to her social and political activities as a possible motive.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's biggest music festival returned for the first time since the Russian invasion. Held in Kyiv, the festival attracted 25,000 music lovers, featuring predominantly local artists. Organizers took precautions by holding the event in a car park outside a major shopping mall, ensuring quick evacuation in the event of a Russian air attack.

As the power cuts, missile strikes, and cyberattacks persist, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges. The solidarity and support from the international community remain crucial in helping the country endure these difficult times.