Russia launches mass strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure

Russia conducted a large-scale overnight attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, targeting power stations in the Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the strikes also hit port infrastructure on the Danube River and vessels used for military purposes. Kyiv reported that the attacks aimed to paralyze the national power grid ahead of winter, impacting four power plants and two substations.

In a separate incident, an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Russia, sustained damage from a Ukrainian drone attack, resulting in two injuries and a fire. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, strikes on a hospital in the Kherson region left 46 people injured and forced the evacuation of 200 patients.

Amidst the escalation, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that direct working-level talks between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi. These discussions, mediated by the United States, are intended to address post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, and humanitarian efforts as part of an effort to advance peace negotiations.