Power cuts in Ukraine, digital outages in Russia: How the war is hitting essential services

Widespread electricity failures have hit eastern Ukraine overnight following a fresh wave of Russian strikes on critical utility networks. The power cuts have left hundreds of families without light, heating, or internet connectivity. This sudden breakdown of essential services comes immediately after US President Donald Trump announced that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to a temporary halt on energy attacks.

On the ground, however, local authorities reported swift destruction of vital municipal infrastructure. The contrast between diplomatic statements issued abroad and the harsh reality facing civilians on the streets remains stark.

Power lines severed across eastern towns

The overnight military bombardment targeted several communities in eastern Ukraine. In the city of Izyum, located south-east of Kharkiv, a Russian missile hit a northern residential neighborhood overnight. The explosion damaged 15 houses and an apartment building, leaving one resident injured.

Power lines were severed during the strike, cutting off electricity to several streets and disconnecting local internet services. Farther north in Kharkiv, Russian forces launched glide bombs and attack drones at energy infrastructure. A local power plant in Kharkiv was struck during the evening, causing immediate blackouts across portions of the city.

Ukrainian officials have long described these repeated attacks on power plants and water supplies as an effort to "weaponise winter" against ordinary citizens. By systematically damaging essential utilities, Moscow hopes to wear down public endurance during the cold season.

Diplomatic ceasefire claims clash with reality

The fresh blackouts erupted just hours after US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that an "energy ceasefire" had been established between Russia and Ukraine. Posting on Sunday, Trump stated that both nations had agreed to stop targeting power networks, adding the brief command: "Do not break it!". However, his post offered no practical details on how the agreement would be monitored or enforced.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially expressed surprise at the announcement before stating that Kyiv welcomed any move toward peace. "Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian 'shaheds' all day today," Zelenskyy warned during an evening address, noting that strikes were continuing despite the declaration.

Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine remains ready to stop hitting Russian oil refineries if Moscow halts its campaign against Ukrainian power grids. He urged the US president to send a clear signal to the Kremlin. The Russian government has not officially commented on Trump's statement.

Drone strikes cripple Russian digital services

While Ukrainian cities dealt with blackouts, long-range aerial attacks also hit deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian drones launched a targeted strike on a major data centre run by technology firm Yandex in the city of Vladimir, located east of Moscow.

It was the third attack on Yandex facilities in four days, following earlier strikes in Ryazan and Kaluga. The facility in Vladimir was completely shut down. The firm, often referred to as "Russia's Google," manages search engines, online banking, and taxi booking apps.

The attack disrupted digital services across dozens of Russian cities, as well as in neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Armenia. In Moscow, taxi drivers found themselves unable to accept passenger requests. "I’d press the ‘call’ button to contact them, but nothing happens," said Pavel Belyavskiy, a driver in Moscow. "There’s nothing I can do, so I’m just forced to cancel.". Another resident, Eduard Malyavko, noted that the digital blackout affected critical sectors, including healthcare.

Political pressure and election debate in background

The ongoing conflict continues to spark sharp political debates internationally. Donald Trump recently criticized President Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine should hold elections and blaming the ongoing war for high diesel fuel prices in the United States. To help lower fuel costs ahead of domestic US elections, Trump recently struck a deal to buy Russian diesel.

Zelenskyy responded by explaining that Ukrainian constitutional law forbids elections while martial law remains active. Holding a nationwide vote is practically impossible with nearly a fifth of the country occupied and millions of citizens displaced. However, Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would be open to organizing elections if Russia agreed to a complete 60-day ceasefire alongside strong international security guarantees.

Tragic civilian casualties continue to mount across the region. A Russian bombing in Zaporizhzhia on Saturday killed 23 people, including four children. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike in the Russian border region of Bryansk killed one man and injured two women.