Russia claims to have struck facilities holding weapons given to Ukraine by the West, potentially including F-16 jets. The country’s defense ministry confirmed launching over 100 missiles and 100 attack drones on Ukraine early Monday. The ministry stated that critical energy infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian military-industrial complex was targeted, disrupting electricity supply and weapons transportation. Western-supplied aircraft ammunition storage facilities at two airfields were also mentioned as targets.
Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Crippled
The Russian attacks crippled Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in emergency power blackouts. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed damage to energy facilities in multiple regions, including Sumy, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Rivne. Ukraine’s private energy company, DTEK, implemented emergency blackouts and reported that energy workers were restoring power throughout the country. The strikes also caused damage to civilian infrastructure and residential buildings.
“Points of Invincibility” Established Amidst Blackouts
In response to the energy crisis, regional officials across Ukraine were instructed to open “points of invincibility.” These shelter-type locations provide a safe haven for people to charge their devices and access refreshments during blackouts.
International Reactions
France denied any political motivation behind the arrest of Russian billionaire and Telegram founder Pavel Durov, emphasizing its commitment to free speech. The International Paralympic Committee announced that 88 Russian and eight Belarusian athletes will compete under a neutral banner at the Paris Paralympics after passing a vetting process.
Poland’s Airspace Violated
Poland claimed that a suspected drone, potentially of Iranian design, entered its airspace. The army searched for the vehicle within its territory, while the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces confirmed the object’s entry but ruled out the possibility of it being a missile.
Wager Group Denies Involvement in Ukraine
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group announced that it is no longer involved in the war in Ukraine and currently operates only in Africa and Belarus. However, Reuters could not independently verify this claim.
Russia Vows Response to Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive
The Kremlin vowed to respond to Ukraine’s invasion of Kursk, stating that such hostile actions would not go without consequences. However, the spokesman also noted that ceasefire talks between Moscow and Kyiv have lost relevance.
250 Russian Conscripts Captured
Footage obtained by the Washington Post revealed the capture of nearly 250 Russian conscripts by Ukrainian forces since the Kursk invasion began. These captures raise political concerns for President Putin as the men were promised non-combat roles and lack training.
Ukraine Seeks Western Support for Long-Range Attacks
Ukraine’s top presidential official called upon Kyiv’s allies to allow long-range attacks on Russia using Western-supplied weapons. He argued that such a decision would expedite the end of Russian aggression.
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