Russia conducted a massive overnight strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure using 39 ballistic missiles, cluster munitions and over 120 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday morning, according to RMF24.
The attack targeted the energy sector and critical infrastructure in Kyiv, the Kyiv region and Kharkiv. Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces hit a crucial energy facility supplying heat and electricity to the capital, with the strike occurring “without prior warning from our partners”.
The assault struck the Darnytska Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP-4), located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, as well as a civilian residential building. At least 600,000 people are currently without electricity as a result of the attack, the Ukrainian president confirmed.
Timing raises questions over Trump ceasefire announcement
The strike came just hours after US President Donald Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, 11 October, that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to what he termed an “energy ceasefire”. Trump stated the agreement was to take effect immediately and warned both sides: “Don’t break it!”
However, neither Ukraine nor Russia had officially confirmed any such arrangement before the Russian attack. Zelenskyy told the Axios news portal that Trump’s announcement was new information to him, whilst the Kremlin also failed to confirm knowledge of or agreement to any truce.
In response to Trump’s post, Zelenskyy had said Ukraine supported “any real and credible forms of ceasefire and ending the war” and was prepared not to attack Russian energy sources, expecting similar restraint from Moscow with US backing.
Second major energy facility hit same day
On the same Sunday that Trump made his announcement, Russian forces also attacked the EC-5 power plant in Kharkiv. This facility is Ukraine’s second-largest combined heat and power station and a critical infrastructure element responsible for supplying electricity and heating to approximately 23 per cent of Kharkiv’s population and surrounding areas.
Zelenskyy characterised the Monday morning assault as a deliberate, large-scale strike on the energy sector following the American president’s ceasefire declaration.
“The attack was completely intentional and on a huge scale – never before has Russia so demonstratively shown a lack of respect towards America. Russia does not consider statements by the President of America to be strong,”
he wrote.
The Ukrainian leader specified that Russia used ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones in addition to cluster ammunition in the operation, which targeted the energy sector and critical infrastructure across multiple regions.
What this means for Poles in the UK
The renewed escalation in attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure may affect Poles in Britain in several ways. Those with family in Ukraine should expect continued disruption to power and heating supplies, particularly in Kyiv and Kharkiv, making communication more difficult during blackouts.
The widening gap between US diplomatic claims and military realities on the ground signals continued instability in the region, which could influence energy markets and inflation in the UK. Britain has committed substantial military and financial support to Ukraine, and any prolongation of the conflict may shape future government spending decisions affecting public services.
For the Polish community maintaining ties to both the UK and Poland, the attack underscores Poland’s frontline position in European security. Warsaw has been among Kyiv’s strongest backers, and Polish citizens in Britain may wish to monitor how the UK government coordinates its Ukraine policy with European partners, particularly if Trump’s approach to the conflict diverges from European consensus.
