The railway infrastructure in the southern city of Kherson was targeted in an attack, damaging tracks at the city station, according to state-owned rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia. Despite this, the rest of Ukrzaliznytsia’s trains are running according to schedule, with passenger safety being a priority. Russian officials deny targeting civilian infrastructure, with tensions escalating between the two countries following the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia used more than 50 rockets and 20 drones in overnight attacks on various regions of Ukraine, including Lviv, Kyiv, Poltava, and others. The attacks on infrastructure come amid ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the importance of global understanding of the situation and referring to the international Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation. Both countries use inflammatory language against each other, with Russia justifying its invasion by labeling Ukraine as a “Nazi” regime, despite Ukraine’s president being Jewish.
Ukrainian officials reported a “massive attack” on the country’s energy infrastructure, with power plants and transmission facilities targeted in several regions. Russia was accused of attacking DTEK thermal power plants, causing extensive damage and casualties among power workers. The energy industry has frequently been targeted in Russian attacks, leading to concerns over the stability of Ukraine’s electricity supply. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko called on civilians to use electricity sparingly to prevent further strain on the energy system.
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was targeted by Russian missiles in an overnight air attack, according to Ukraine’s military. While there were no casualties from the attack, falling debris injured several people and caused damage to power lines, resulting in partial power outages in some areas. Russian forces used cruise missiles and one-way attack drones in the assault, with air raid warnings lasting for several hours. Efforts are underway to restore electricity in affected areas and repair damaged infrastructure.
Belarus announced a surprise inspection of its non-strategic nuclear weapons, with the defense minister ordering checks on the planning, preparation, and potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. This move follows reports last month of Belarus stationing such weapons across the country, raising concerns about the use of nuclear capabilities in the region. Non-strategic nuclear weapons are designed for battlefield use, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
Ukraine’s Security Service revealed a network of Russian agents allegedly planning to assassinate President Zelenskyy and other high-ranking officials. The agents were said to have leaked sensitive information to the Russian Federation, with a plot to take the President hostage and eliminate key figures. The SBU claimed that the agents intended to target individuals using drones and missiles, although evidence of the plan has not been provided. The report highlights the ongoing security threats faced by Ukraine and the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the region.
