Russia strikes substations linking two nuclear plants to Kyiv, Zelensky says

Russia struck substations connecting the Rivne and Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plants to Kyiv and central Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack targeted critical energy infrastructure. Zelensky reported Russia used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles, all missiles aimed at Kyiv and the region. The capital faces severe electricity, water, and heating shortages, with residential buildings, the Northern Bridge, and a kindergarten damaged. Substations in Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Dnipro regions were also hit. Twelve regions beyond Kyiv came under attack, injuring nine people including one child. Zelensky called for increased US support, stating Ukraine cannot be left alone against blackout attempts.