By Salma El-Sakka
Russian strikes on critical infrastructure overnight triggered power and water outages across Kyiv and surrounding regions on Wednesday, while rescuers in southern Ukraine continued searching for survivors three days after one of the deadliest attacks in nearly five years of war.
Infrastructure Attacks Disrupt Kyiv
On Tuesday, a large-scale Russian attack on power plants and substations across nine regions knocked out electricity in several areas in and around the capital. The state-owned grid operator Ukrenergo reported more than 20 strikes on energy facilities in 24 hours. Authorities urged residents to use public drinking fountains and set up emergency centers offering hot tea and charging points.
Rescue Efforts in Komyshuvakha
On Monday, Russian guided bombs hit a school and shelter in the village of Komyshuvakha, near the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region. The acting head of the regional military administration, Mykhailo Semikin, confirmed 37 deaths and said up to 38 people may still be trapped. Ivan Fedorov, co-chair of the regional defense council, said 12 bodies had been identified so far, but it remained unclear if anyone was alive. Drone attacks hampered search operations, and police said DNA samples were being collected for identification. Baptist pastor Vladyslav Makhovskyi, who joined the search, described victims unable to escape or breathe after the bombs struck.
Brussels Talks on Post-War Support
Officials from the United States, Germany, France, Britain, NATO and the European Union met Wednesday at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels to discuss security arrangements, reconstruction needs and economic opportunities after the war. The talks precede a new round of U.S.-brokered peace negotiations next week, more than four and a half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Melania Trump Honored for Humanitarian Role
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded U.S. first lady Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, 1st class, for her “significant personal contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine.” The presidential office credited her with brokering a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky that allowed the evacuation of stranded residents.
Russian Drone Claims and Ukrainian Strikes
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down 709 Ukrainian drones overnight. Meanwhile, a drone attack caused a fire at a logistics center of the online retailer Ozon in Adygeysk, in Russia’s Adygea region, with no casualties reported.
