Zelensky says Russia aims to cause Ukraine-wide blackout before winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Saturday of trying to cause a "general blackout" in Ukraine before winter, following a "massive" attack on the country's power grid the previous day. Zelensky said Russia struck over 15 energy facilities in central and western regions overnight, aiming to deplete Ukraine's reserves and repair capacity. He urged allies to pressure Moscow, warning Russia wants to leave millions without electricity and heating. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed a large-scale overnight attack on Ukrainian infrastructure, including the country's largest steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, owned by ArcelorMittal, and a substation in Zhytomyr. Reuters could not independently verify these claims.