### Russia Launches Major Bombardment on Ukraine's Power Grid

KYIV, Ukraine—In a massive and complex assault on Sunday, Russia renewed its efforts to cripple Ukraine's power grid, launching one of the largest bombardments of the ongoing war. Ukrainian officials reported that the attack lasted several hours, involving around 120 missiles and 90 drones. At least nine civilians were killed during the strikes.

The onslaught targeted critical energy infrastructure across Ukraine, including the capital city, Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that air-defense units managed to neutralize 144 targets, including 10 intercepted by F-16 fighter pilots. Despite these efforts, substantial damage occurred as some missiles and debris reached their intended marks.

Residents of Kyiv witnessed interceptor missiles streaking across the sky followed by loud explosions, a scene mirrored in various parts of the country. Russia deployed a combination of cruise and ballistic missiles launched from bombers, ships, and land-based systems, augmented by drone swarms attacking from multiple angles.

Videos shared by Ukrainian officials depicted emergency responders dealing with the aftermath of missile strikes that resulted in civilian casualties. The strikes highlighted the unyielding resolve of Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, who, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, remains committed to the destruction of the Ukrainian state rather than seeking peaceful resolution.

In response to the attacks, Ukraine announced precautionary emergency blackouts and energy restrictions for Monday, as confirmed by the national power utility, Ukrenergo. The extent of damage caused by the strikes across different regions remains unclear.

Local residents like Serhii Melnykov experienced the terror firsthand. Walking near his home in Kyiv, Melnykov heard a powerful explosion followed by his wife's plea for help. She was caught under debris but managed to escape before rescue workers arrived, though she suffered a concussion and was in shock.

A missile fragment extracted from Melnykov's apartment was identified as part of a 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, capable of reaching speeds eight times that of sound, making it one of the fastest missiles globally.

Ukrainian military experts noted the attack's scale and complexity, warning that Russia has likely been amassing missiles for future bombardments. These strikes, they say, aim to debilitate Ukraine’s economy and morale while sending a political message to international audiences about Ukraine’s supposed vulnerabilities.

The United Nations had previously warned that continuous strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector could lead to more mass displacement and heightened suffering, especially as winter sets in. Ukraine has already lost about 65 percent of its energy infrastructure due to relentless attacks.

This recent wave of bombardments comes amid reports of slow but steady Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. President Zelensky acknowledged the challenging circumstances, citing the slow process of training soldiers and securing necessary weaponry. He emphasized the need for a strengthened position on the battlefield ahead of potential negotiations for a just and lasting peace.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding how a potential Trump administration might affect the war, Zelensky expressed doubts about Russia's willingness to negotiate earnestly, reaffirming that continued international recognition of Russia as the aggressor is essential.