Ukraine Strikes Disrupt Power adn Heating in Russian Cities
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine launched strikes targeting energy infrastructure in two Russian cities Saturday, disrupting power and heating as winter approaches, Ukrainian officials said. Authorities in Belgorod and Kursk reported outages affecting tens of thousands of residents.
The attacks represent a critically important escalation in Ukraine’s ability to strike within Russia, demonstrating a growing capacity to target critical infrastructure despite ongoing conflict. The strikes come as Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine and amid heightened concerns over potential renewed nuclear testing. The disruption of essential services for Russian civilians underscores the widening scope of the conflict and the potential for further retaliatory actions.
Ukrainian officials have not directly claimed responsibility for the attacks,but sources within Kyiv confirmed the operations were successful in degrading Russia’s energy capabilities. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that power had been cut to the entire city and surrounding areas, impacting approximately 180,000 people. kursk Governor Roman Starovoyt said the city and surrounding areas were also without electricity and heating, affecting an estimated 30,000 residents.
The strikes follow an earlier order from Russian president Vladimir Putin to study the possibility of resuming nuclear testing, a move Russia says it will only undertake if the United States does so first. Despite this, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Sunday that Russia remains committed to its obligations to end nuclear tests, noting that no such tests have occurred since 1990.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated he is prepared to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the war in Ukraine and potential avenues for improving bilateral relations, though Lavrov emphasized that any peace negotiations must “take Russian interests into account.” Russia continues to pursue what it describes as “maximalist demands” regarding Ukraine.
