Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Power Grid Cut Electricity in Five Regions

Massive Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight caused power outages in five regions, according to Ukraine's Energy Ministry, with significant damage reported to transmission and distribution networks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia used 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones in the combined attack, which wounded at least nine people including a child across roughly ten regions. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital's energy supply situation is "extremely difficult," affecting heating and water systems, and that the North Bridge over the Dnieper was hit, blocking traffic. Zelensky framed the bombardment as Russia's way of preparing for trilateral talks scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi between Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow envoys. The North Bridge was previously struck in October, prompting authorities to install anti-drone nets for the first time since the 2022 invasion.