Russia strikes Ukraine's power and steel plants; Kyiv says gains 'illusion'

· Security · Ukraine · Russia

Russia's defence ministry said it carried out a large-scale overnight attack on Ukrainian infrastructure, including the country's largest steelworks in Kryvyi Rih, as well as power facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is trying to cut electricity and heating to civilians ahead of winter, and warned that Moscow wants blackouts. Ukraine rejected Russia's claim to have captured more than 1,800 square km of territory and nearly 100 settlements, including Dobropillia, since September 1, calling it 'an illusion'. A report said the White House ordered a slowdown of Ukraine's network, and Bloomberg reported restrictions on Ukraine's use of SpaceX's Starlink came weeks after its forces used the network in a counter-offensive.

Why it matters：Strikes on power and industry aim to make Ukrainian cities unlivable in winter, while questions over Western tech support could shift the war's trajectory.

Key points

  • Russia said it hit the Kryvyi Rih steelworks and power infrastructure overnight.
  • Ukraine rejected Russia's claim of capturing 1,800 sq km since September 1.
  • A report said the White House ordered a slowdown of Ukraine's network.

Sources (original reporting)

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