Russia strikes Ukraine's power grid, leaving hundreds of thousands without heat

Russia has launched a second day of large-scale missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity or heating as winter begins. Ukraine's Air Force reported Russia used 164 strike drones and three cruise missiles, with 137 drones intercepted. Energy facilities were damaged across six regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv, affecting about 600,000 people in Dnipro city alone. The Institute for the Study of War said the campaign aims to weaken Ukraine's energy security, while Germany confirmed it has exhausted Patriot interceptor stocks available for transfer. Kyiv has responded by targeting Russian missile launch sites and production facilities. Leaked Russian records cited by Ukrainian and Belarusian sources indicate over 450,000 registered military deaths since February 2022, with total casualties approaching 1.6 million by November 2026. Russian forces continued offensive operations without confirmed advances, while Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of using a limited ceasefire in Kherson to reinforce troops.