President Zelensky reported that Ukraine’s air defenses failed to receive early warnings for the incoming missiles that struck Kyiv’s CHP-4 plant and various energy hubs in Kharkiv. While DTEK implemented emergency outages, the Kremlin’s defense ministry confirmed targeting seven energy facilities and a data center. At least three people died in the capital.
Russian Strikes Target Energy Grid as Diesel Diplomacy Falters
At least 600,000 Ukrainians lost electricity this week following a barrage of 39 ballistic missiles and 120 drones launched by Russian forces. The strikes hit 26 power facilities and four oil sites, unfolding just days after the Trump administration licensed Russian diesel imports while demanding Kyiv halt its refinery attacks.
This escalation follows intense pressure from the White House, which reportedly threatened to cut intelligence sharing and weapons support if Ukraine continued its campaign against Russian oil infrastructure. Although Trump recently announced an "energy ceasefire" regarding refineries, Zelensky denied any such agreement, noting that the latest strikes demonstrate Russia’s disregard for the proposal. The administration’s recent authorization for Russian diesel imports, valid through April 2027, remains contentious; Trump has publicly blamed Ukraine’s refinery strikes for rising fuel costs, urging Kyiv to find new leadership if they continue to disrupt global supply chains.
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