Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for increased Western pressure on the Kremlin as the death toll from recent Russian attacks rose and authorities worked to restore power after strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Kyiv and many other regions faced extensive power outages, with repairs hampered by damage from Russian air strikes. State energy provider Ukrenergo reported that on November 9, power was limited in most regions for eight to sixteen hours, with similar restrictions planned for November 10.
"The reason for the introduction of restrictions is the consequences of massive Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities."
"It is difficult to recall such a [large] number of direct strikes on energy facilities since the beginning of the invasion," said Ukrenergo spokeswoman Svitlana Hrynchuk.
In his nightly video address, President Zelenskyy stated,
"Repair crews are working almost around the clock in most regions. Restoration efforts are ongoing, and although the situation is difficult, thousands of people are involved in stabilizing the system and repairing the damage."
Even before cold weather set in, Russia stepped up attacks targeting Ukraine’s power grid, natural gas facilities, and pipelines with the intent to freeze and demoralize the population.
Ongoing Russian strikes severely damage Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages and extensive repair efforts amid a harsh winter approach.