Russia launches massive strikes on Ukraine's energy grid and bridges

Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that the Russian military has begun massive strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and strategic bridges. Putin ordered the continuation of these strikes against military-industrial and logistics targets. Gerasimov stated strikes are targeting strategically important bridges, railway transport facilities, and data centers supporting Ukraine's armed forces. Putin framed the attacks as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian industrial and fuel-energy enterprises, and claimed the creation of a border security zone is proceeding successfully. Putin said the security zone issue will not be a subject of negotiations with Ukraine. The announcement came amid major power outages in Ukrainian cities including Rivne and Lutsk on October 16, with grid operator Ukrenergo revising winter scenarios after strikes on thermal power plants.