Russia Strikes Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure Causing Widespread Blackouts and Civilian Hardship

Russian strikes have led to severe damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, notably causing a complete blackout in Chernihiv, a city of nearly 280,000 people, leaving civilians without electricity and heating as winter approaches. Amnesty International condemns these attacks as unlawful, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and hospital patients, and calling for international action and accountability. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing restoration efforts in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhia, praising repair crews and municipal workers while urging sustained diplomatic and military pressure on Russia. In a meeting of Ukraine's Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff, Zelenskyy focused on scaling up responses to Russia’s infrastructure attacks, improving energy reserves and equipment, securing gas supplies for heating, and enhancing air defense capabilities with possible American support. Meanwhile, Russian forces have advanced into the eastern city of Pokrovsk, committing war crimes against civilians, as fighting intensifies in the Donetsk region amid controversial ceasefire discussions involving President Trump and Zelensky. These developments underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the critical need for international support to protect civilians and restore essential services in war-torn Ukraine.