"Russian Assault on Ukraine's Energy System Leaves Over 1 Million Without Power"
Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities, destroying energy infrastructure, causing power blackouts, and prompting the urgent need for stronger air defenses. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized the need for Patriot air defense systems to protect infrastructure and civilians, as Ukraine awaits more Western aid. The strikes highlighted the vulnerability of major cities like Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, with the latter being just 19 miles from the Russian border. The attack caused power outages and halted coal mining operations, while Kremlin spokesman Peskov acknowledged that Russia's involvement in Ukraine has escalated to a "state of war" due to increased Western support for Ukraine.