Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates: Drone Strikes and Retaliation

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates: Drone Strikes and Retaliation

Russian drones launched overnight attacks on energy facilities in northern and southern Ukraine, leaving nearly 60,000 users without power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy subsequently vowed retaliation, ordering more strikes deep inside Russia.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its third year and a half, both sides have intensified air strikes in recent weeks: Russia is targeting Ukraine's energy and transportation systems, while Ukraine continues to attack Russian oil refineries and pipelines.

After meeting with Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, Zelenskyy stated on X: "We will continue to carry out active operations in the manner necessary to protect Ukraine. Forces and resources are ready, and new plans for deep strikes have been drawn up." He did not disclose further details of the plans.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, said Russian drones attacked four energy facilities in the Odesa region overnight. Local authorities reported that 29,000 people lost power supplies early Sunday.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said the hardest-hit area was the port city of Chornomorsk, just outside Odesa, where residential and administrative buildings were damaged. "Critical infrastructure is running on generators," he said on Telegram, adding that the attack injured one person.

Two unnamed sources revealed that a Belize-flagged civilian bulk carrier struck an unidentified explosive device and sustained minor damage in waters near the strategically important port.

Viacheslav Chaus, Governor of Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, said Russian drones also attacked the region in the early hours of Sunday, damaging energy infrastructure and leaving 30,000 households without power, including parts of the city of Nizhyn.

The Ukrainian military said Russian forces launched 142 drones at Ukraine overnight, and although air defenses shot down most of the drones, 10 locations were hit.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces struck Ukrainian port infrastructure being used for military purposes.

The escalation of Russian-Ukrainian hostilities in recent weeks comes as U.S. President Trump spearheads efforts to end the conflict. It is important to consider that such escalations can have significant humanitarian consequences and disrupt global supply chains.

Ukraine's military said on Sunday that despite Russia's claims of a successful summer offensive, Russian forces had not fully controlled any major Ukrainian city and had "grossly exaggerated" data regarding occupied territory.

"Despite (Russian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff) Gerasimov's declaration of significant gains, Russian forces have not fully controlled any major city," the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement on social media.

The Kremlin said on Sunday that European countries were hindering Trump's peace efforts and said that until it saw genuine signs of Kyiv's willingness to negotiate, Russia would continue its military operations in Ukraine.

In the past week, Russia has launched two large-scale attacks that have killed dozens of civilians and destroyed a large number of homes and urban infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said in an evening statement: "The only thing Russia craves is fighting. Therefore, we will continue to exert pressure - that is what Russia needs to be pressured on."

He added: "We expect a firm position from the United States, Europe and the G20 countries. This conflict will only undermine global processes, and Russia must pay for it, and it certainly will."

The U.S. envoy to Ukraine said Russian attacks undermined Trump's efforts to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Pope Leo called on Sunday for a ceasefire and talks.

"Now, those responsible must abandon the logic of force and embark on the path of negotiation and peace with the support of the international community," Leo told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during Sunday prayers.