Russian strikes on Ukraine energy grid raise winter crisis fears; Zelenskyy urges EU aid

Russia has initiated a winter air campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages in Kyiv and at least nine other regions. Ukrainian intelligence claims to have intercepted a Russian plan to disable electricity, heat, and water in major cities, aiming for capitulation, though the plan's authenticity and operational status remain unverified. The strikes represent a deliberate effort to degrade civilian resilience ahead of winter.