Russia’s Attack on Ukraine’s Power Grid Leaves 45,000 in Darkness

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

• Moscow, Kyiv Trade Blame Over Energy Strikes
• US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Talks Resume

Nearly 45,000 residents in southern Ukraine have been plunged into darkness after Russia launched another assault on the country’s energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday, revealing that a fresh Russian strike had crippled a power facility in Kherson, cutting off electricity to thousands.

“This morning, another Russian strike damaged a power facility in Kherson, leaving 45,000 residents without electricity,” Sybiga stated.

Meanwhile, Kyiv and Washington have reopened discussions on a minerals agreement that would grant the United States access to Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for increased support.

“It is always important to strengthen the presence of American business in Ukraine, so this process is ongoing, and we will work with our American colleagues to reach a mutually acceptable text for signing,” Sybiga added.

In a counter-accusation, Moscow alleged that Kyiv had targeted Russian energy sites, reporting fresh attacks in Russia’s Belgorod region and the partially Moscow-controlled Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia.

The escalating tit-for-tat strikes have heightened tensions, with both governments blaming each other for attacks that have left thousands in the dark. The crisis deepens as Russia dismissed a US-Ukraine proposal for an unconditional ceasefire but agreed to a temporary halt on Ukrainian energy sites.

Reports has it  that both nations had initially planned to sign a critical minerals extraction deal last month, but the agreement was derailed following a televised clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump, on Sunday, warned Zelensky of “big problems” if Kyiv turned down the latest US proposal, though details of the offer remain undisclosed.