Zelensky Criticizes Kyiv Authorities Amid Russian Strikes on Power Grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Kyiv city authorities for what he called an almost complete failure to protect the capital's critical infrastructure from Russian attacks, escalating a dispute with Mayor Vitaly Klitschko.

Zelensky reported extensive damage to power grids following Russian strikes and criticized delays in strengthening infrastructure defenses across Ukraine, singling out Kyiv for not taking necessary precautions. Klitschko, in turn, blamed some shortcomings in Kyiv's winter preparations on Zelensky's government and criticized corruption scandals linked to Zelensky's administration. The dispute occurs amid escalating long-range strikes between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow announcing expanded strikes on Ukrainian military and defense-industrial facilities and supporting infrastructure, including in Kyiv, following Zelensky's pledge to intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Russian strikes across Ukraine have killed at least three people and wounded at least eight, according to officials, as Ukraine struggles to counter escalating bombardments that have killed more than 50 people over the past three days. Mykhailo Semikin, head of the Zaporizhzhia regional military administration, reported one man killed and five wounded in strikes on residential areas.

Another man was killed in Ivano-Frankivsk, and a woman died in an attack on warehouse facilities in the Kyiv region. The Ukrainian Air Force warned of Russian drones heading toward Kyiv and surrounding communities. Restoration work on the power grid is underway around the clock, and Ukraine has updated its requirements for energy equipment and air-defense packages.