A significant power plant located near Kiev, Ukraine's capital, has suffered extensive damage following missile and drone strikes by Russian forces. The attack has resulted in power outages affecting multiple areas across the country.

According to Ukraine's state electricity company Ukrainergo, at least 82 drone and missile strikes were carried out by Russian forces on Thursday, targeting various locations throughout Ukraine. As a result of these attacks, several power plants sustained damage, exacerbating the electricity supply crisis.

The Trypilsk coal power plant, a critical facility in the region, was reportedly completely destroyed in the assault, with images showing billowing black smoke engulfing the area as flames ravaged the Soviet-era factory.

As a consequence of the attacks, many residents in cities including Dnipro, Petrovsk, Donetsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kherson remain without power. Ukrainergo indicated that efforts to restore electricity services are underway, but significant challenges persist.

The escalation in attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure comes amid reports of weakening air defense systems, allowing Russian forces to intensify their assaults. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for urgent cooperation in bolstering air defense capabilities to address the escalating threat posed by Russian military actions.

As tensions continue to mount and the situation remains volatile, the Ukrainian government faces mounting pressure to mitigate the impact of the attacks on critical infrastructure and safeguard the welfare of its citizens.