• 600,000 Ukrainians left without power following Russian strikes.
• Attacks come despite a declared "energy ceasefire" from US President Trump.
• Kyiv and Kharkiv regions were specifically targeted, causing casualties.
• Zelensky emphasizes the need for a strong global response against Russia.

Recent Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes have left approximately 600,000 people in Ukraine without electricity, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strikes targeted vital energy infrastructure in Kyiv and the Kharkiv region, coinciding with the assertion made by US President Donald Trump about a supposed "energy ceasefire" between the two adversaries. Zelensky stated that at least three individuals were killed and 21 others injured due to these attacks, highlighting the ongoing risk to civilian lives, according to BBC and Le Monde.

Zelensky condemned these Russian strikes as a blatant violation of the declared ceasefire, commenting, "A targeted Russian ballistic missile strike specifically against energy infrastructure – the very infrastructure covered by the ceasefire announced by the American President," as reported by India Times. He emphasized that the attacks were deliberate and showcased Russia's disrespect towards the United States and international protocols. The Russian defense ministry claimed that their strikes aimed at "communications and energy facilities" used by Ukraine's military, as detailed in reports from BBC.

In total, the Russian military launched 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones, with the Ukrainian air force successfully intercepting a portion of these attacks. Despite the escalation, Zelensky communicated Ukraine's willingness to observe a ceasefire if Russia reciprocated. He has urged stronger sanctions against Russia, asking the international community to respond forcefully to these aggressive actions, reiterating the urgency in light of the ongoing conflict, according to India Times and Le Monde.